Nude model in art class asked to wear clothes

hampstead, uk - Controversy arises at Hampstead Community Centre over clothing requirement for nude model in art class.

Controversy at Hampstead Community Centre

For thirty years, art classes have been held at the Hampstead Community Centre, often featuring nude models without issue. Recently, concerns over the models' safety led to a decision that the nude model must wear clothes during Friday afternoon classes, particularly attended by seniors.

According to drawing teacher Tony Swann, a complaint was made about 'a naked person in the building.' Despite precautions such as blinded windows and signs indicating the use of a nude model, the decision was made to have the model wear clothes.

Proposals to hold the class in the evening or move to a different location were met with resistance. The compromise of having the model wear clothes was deemed unacceptable as it would hinder the learning of anatomy.

Even the models themselves protested. 63-year-old Hilary Curtis, who has posed nude for the class for a decade, criticized the decision, calling the board 'puritans.' The Community Centre claimed it was a scheduling issue, as nude painting occurred between two children's groups.

In the end, Tony Swann agreed to relocate to the Quaker Meeting House on the same street.