Art Gallery Opens Nude Exhibition Following Police Request to Remove Painting

The Chair Gallery has launched a nude exhibition, described as a “celebration of life drawings,” following a police request in September to remove a nude painting from its window display. The police action in Hay-on-Wye, Powys, was prompted by local objections to a painting depicting a naked female cowboy. Val Harris, the gallery owner, expressed her desire to normalise nude drawing, stating that “life drawing is the life blood of any artist.” Currently, the gallery showcases 50 images of naked men and women by 30 different artists. This collection includes a full-frontal male nude now positioned in the window. Ms. Harris characterized the exhibition not as a protest, but rather as an “educational tool” aimed at supporting artists and life drawing, with the goal of helping to “normalise” nudity. While nude art is commonly accepted in galleries, art schools, and life drawing classes, Ms. Harris noted that commercial galleries frequently refrain from displaying it. She reiterated, “Most artists do life drawings. Life drawings are the life blood of any artist.” The police request in September specifically concerned a painting by 22-year-old student Poppy Baynham. This artwork portrayed a woman in cowboy boots with her legs apart, featuring a black triangle topped with pink wool in place of genitals. Commenting on the September event, Ms. Baynham stated, “It just shows how closed-minded people are, and let’s say if I was a famous artist I don’t think anyone would say anything.” Police informed Ms. Harris that they had received public reports of abuse regarding the image, which was titled “This is not pornography.” The gallery owner mentioned that nude images had always been displayed in her gallery, and she “didn’t think anything of it.” Ms. Harris declined to take down the display. Instead, she put up a sign beside the painting, inviting passers-by to enter and record their opinions in a visitor book. She commented, “I think people were uncomfortable about the position of the woman but support for this exhibition has been really positive.” The current window display includes a full-frontal male life drawing, which Ms. Harris noted has elicited a distinct reaction compared to the female drawing. She observed, “People are fascinated by the female body in particular.” Regarding the male drawing, she added, “You hear the odd snigger [at the male drawing] but I have not heard a parent or child talk about it or be offended by it.” Ms. Harris’s objective is to broaden discussions surrounding the natural body, and an opinion book has been provided for visitors to share their thoughts on the current exhibition. Titled “Slay Hay,” the exhibition showcases pieces from 30 artists chosen through an open submission process. It is scheduled to conclude on 9 November, though Ms. Harris expressed her desire for it to become an annual occurrence.