A life drawing class in north London has been forced to move from its home of 30 years due to concerns over child safeguarding. The Hampstead Community Centre announced the move, citing “safeguarding issues,” but organizers and models are accusing the center of being overly prudish.
The class, which meets during the day, was told it could either move to an evening slot, cover up the nude models, or find a new location. Organizers chose the third option, as evening sessions wouldn’t be feasible for most attendees, and covering up the models would defeat the purpose of the class.
The class has relocated to the Quaker Meeting House, just down the road from the community center. Models and attendees have branded the community center’s rules as “puritanical” and likened their attitude to that of the Taliban.
However, a spokesperson for the Hampstead Community Centre disputes this claim, stating that the move was due to legitimate safeguarding concerns rather than prudishness. They argue that the class was being held between two children’s sessions and that the decision was made to balance the needs of various users and activities.
Life drawing has been an established part of art for centuries, but some may see it as too risqué for certain environments. However, organizers and models insist there is nothing salacious about it – it’s simply a form of artistic expression.
The class’s organizer, Tony Swann, described the community center’s decision as “Taliban-like” and said he believes someone complained about the nudity without understanding the context of the art form. The move has left many in the artistic community disappointed and concerned that such attitudes are becoming more prevalent.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14402897/Naked-drawing-classes-moved-London-community-centre-30-years-child-safeguarding-concerns-teacher-hits-Taliban-like-ban.html