Photographs of nude Victorian women banished from village art exhibition after grannies take offence
Pensioners label provocative pics in Sussex gallery 'disgusting and offensive'
NUDE photos were removed from an art exhibition after three grannies labelled them “disgusting and offensive”.
The offending images which show women from the Victorian era posing provocatively were on display in a gallery in Hassocks, West Sussex.
But following complaints from the pensioners - aged between 60 and 80 - six of the snaps have been removed.
Di Nee - the wife ortist Martin Nee who organised the Romance exhibition at the Edwin Budding Gallery said: "There were three complaints from women who had come to the gardens for lunch and then decided to look at the exhibition.
"It was then suggested by the Heritage owners that we take the photographs down because they were concerned they were upsetting people.
"We weren't forced, but it was suggested it was a good idea.
"It was disappointing more than anything - I thought the photos gave the display an extra bite."
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The couple removed the photographs and the free exhibition remains open with other sculptures and paintings.
Martin, 70, added: "The work was given to us by a local art collector.
"Before 1839, depictions of nudity generally consisted of paintings, drawings and engravings.
"Artists then began to use new photography techniques and technology as a new and exciting way to depict the nude form.
"The history of this art form is probably more interesting than the work itself to a lot of people.
"Obviously, it was not intended to cause offence."
Thanks to overwhelming public support in their favour, the couple can now reinstall the photos - if they put up a disclaimer.
Di said: "We've had loads of positive comments from people and it's lovely to be able to put it back up.
"The pictures aren't naughty naughty, just a bit risqué.
"We can now put them back up at the weekend with a note saying there's a small area of the exhibition which has adult content.
"It's a compromise."
Romance runs until the end of the month.
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