A trip to an art gallery might be a good opportunity to catch a glimpse of famous nudes – or an impressive bust or two.
But lovers of the Old Masters would have got an eyeful of a very different description if they had dropped into one museum offering a very special one-off private viewing.
For the institution in question had thrown open its doors to a group of 65 naked history buffs as they played host to a group from British Naturism.
And the nude aesthetes offered surprising perspectives on the art – and on their unusual way of life.
Long-term naturist, Fiona Discombe, is pictured here with her husband Mike. She explained how although some people attend nude events with hopes of a sex-fueled orgy they are often left disappointed with the reality
MailOnline spoke to Mrs Discombe and her husband Mike ahead of the UK’s first ever nude museum evening
The evening – hosted by Dorset Museum – saw more than 60 nudists flock from far and wide to mooch around the gallery – champagne in hand – with absolutely no clothes on
Mrs Discombe emphasised that British Naturism (BN) – who organize nude events across the UK – have a strict no tolerance policy when it comes to undesirables and even has its own set of unspoken rules
One female nudist revealed the biggest misconception about naturism and why a lot of people will get dressed and leave nude gatherings after just ten minutes.
Long-term naturist, Fiona Discombe, 55, explained how although some people attend nude events with hopes of a sex-fueled orgy they are often left disappointed with the reality.
MailOnline spoke to Mrs Discombe and her husband Mike, 52, ahead of the UK’s first ever nude museum evening hoping to get a glimpse of the event in full swing and find out more about why they choose to be naked.
The evening – hosted by Dorset Museum – saw more than 60 nudists flock from far and wide to mooch around the gallery – champagne in hand – with absolutely no clothes on.
Mrs Discombe, a carer from Devizes, Wiltshire has been enjoying life in the buff for 30 years, alongside her husband, Mike, but often gets frustrated by the myths surrounding naturism.
Mrs Discombe told MailOnline: ‘Generally speaking, when people turn up with the wrong idea, they think it’s going to be this great sexual orgy thing and after ten minutes they go home’
She told MailOnline: ‘Generally speaking, when people turn up with the wrong idea, they think it’s going to be this great sexual orgy thing and after ten minutes they go home.’
She added: ‘I think people think that if you’re a naturist, you’d just go to like a sex party or something. As a woman, that’s what I feel that people think about me. It’s not like that at all, so I can dispel that myth completely.
‘We’re not all weird. We’re just normal people doing things with our clothes off, really.’
Mrs Discombe, also emphasized that British Naturism (BN) – who organize nude events across the UK – have a strict no tolerance policy when it comes to undesirables and even has its own set of unspoken rules.
‘They stand out obviously very quickly because of their behavior. So you can actually just turn around and say: “Your behavior isn’t appropriate, it’s not what this is about, you can leave me alone.
‘If it does become out of hand then obviously you just get people to take them out of that situation.’
Every official BN gathering has a designated team of safeguarding officers who are also taking part in the event who swiftly show anyone suspected to be there for the the wrong reasons the door.
Mrs Discombe also gave a top tip for having the correct etiquette when going to a naked gathering.
‘When you talk to someone you always look them in the eye. You don’t look at their breasts or any genitalia or anything like that. And you should sit on a towel or something,’ she said.
Every official BN gathering has a designated team of safeguarding officers who are also taking part in the event who swiftly show anyone suspected to be there for the the wrong reasons the door
Mrs Discombe’s husband, Mike, who is also a nudist and accompanied her to the nude evening, was looking forward to the event and exploring the exhibition with ‘like-minded people’
Claire Dixon, the museum director, told MailOnline: ‘The benefit for us is that it really enables us to showcase that we’re for everyone. There are so many different ways you can visit and enjoy and use the museum, and I’m hoping it’s a good idea’
Ms Dixon admitted when she was approached by BN and asked to host the event she was initially surprised at the ‘unusual’ request
The Dorset Museum and Art Gallery in Dorchester hosted the UK’s first naked exhibition viewing last night which gave attendees a unique opportunity to view its artifacts completely starkers.
Claire Dixon, the Executive Director, admitted when she was approached by BN and asked to host the event she was initially surprised at the ‘unusual’ request she took them up on their offer.
She told MailOnline: ‘The benefit for us is that it really enables us to showcase that we’re for everyone. There are so many different ways you can visit and enjoy and use the museum, and I’m hoping it’s a good idea.’
Ms Dixon added that the museum has been ‘struggling’ and she has been ‘overwhelmed’ with people coming forward with new ideas and ways to generate more income.
Mrs Discombe’s husband, Mike, who is also a nudist and accompanied her to the nude evening, was looking forward to the event and exploring the exhibition with ‘like-minded people’.