Life drawing classes have been a staple for artists seeking to refine their skills through the study of the human form, but a recent situation in Hampstead, north London, highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding nudity in art. At the Hampstead Community Centre, a life drawing class that has been held for 30 years is facing proximity-related challenges due to safeguarding concerns.

Tony Swann, the art teacher leading the class, was informed that he needed to either cover the nude models or relocate after complaints arose regarding the class being scheduled between sessions for children. The Community Centre stated that this decision was a “simple scheduling decision reflecting our duty as trustees to balance the needs of the centre’s many users and activities”.

Despite being offered an evening slot at a discounted rate, only a small fraction of the regular attendees expressed willingness to shift to this new time. Consequently, the group has had to find a new venue, the Quaker Meeting House, to continue their sessions without alteration to their model’s attire.

Swann voiced his discontent over the situation, remarking, “In that time no children have been outraged, no parents have been outraged,” emphasising the long-standing nature of the class’s operations without previous incident.

Models involved in the life drawing sessions have also expressed their dismay about the situation, citing societal stigma around nudity as a significant factor in the decision. Valentina Rock, a life model for a decade, described the class as “one of the best in the area” and lamented the impact of the move, referring to life drawing as “an absolutely healthy, wholesome environment.” Esther Bunting, with 18 years of experience as a life model, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the backlash stems from a “misperception” of what life drawing entails, and noting the class fosters body acceptance through exposure to diverse body types.

Some within the community worry that such actions exacerbate existing societal pressures around nudity. Adrian Gillan, who has modelled for 25 years, called the need for caution a “great shame,” while also recognizing why some might advocate for more stringent measures regarding how nudity is handled, especially near younger audiences.

Anne Noble Partridge, who has taught life drawing for over 20 years, defended the practice, stating that it should not be seen solely through a sexual lens but as a “holistic tool” for education and community building. She pointed out that while safeguarding within life drawing classes is a legitimate concern, the community generally lacks regulation, which can pose risks to models and participants alike.

In an official statement, the Hampstead Community Centre reiterated its comfort with nudity when handled in the appropriate contexts, and conveyed regret that it could not accommodate Swann’s requests in this instance. They expressed satisfaction that he was able to secure alternative arrangements for the class, thus allowing life drawing to continue uninterrupted in another location.

This ongoing situation reflects broader cultural discussions about nudity and the implications of safeguarding in public art spaces, demonstrating the delicate balance between artistic expression and community sensitivities.

Source: Noah Wire Services