From Botticelli's Venus to Michelangelo's David and the voluptuous beauties of Rubens, the nude has always held a treasured place in art history. Yet while artists have celebrated the naked form in countless paintings and statues, those admiring the works have typically remained fully clothed. Now, however, the art-lovers themselves are becoming the nudes.
Naturists to Strip Off for Art Exhibition
Dozens of naturists are planning to strip off for a clothes-free day-trip to admire the displays at Scotland's largest outdoor exhibition space. Later this summer, more than 100 nudists will head to Jupiter Artland outside Edinburgh for a spot of naked art appreciation. To ensure they don't make an exhibition of themselves, the venue will be closed to the general public during their visit.
Growing Trend of Nudist Events in Scotland
The art trip is one of a growing number of events catering specifically for nudists in Scotland, ranging from clothes-free badminton tournaments to saunas, swims, hotel weekends, and river cruises. There are even plans this year for naked mountaineering and axe-throwing. A series of clothes-free events are planned at Jupiter Artland, described as a 'contemporary sculpture garden' with 120 acres of meadow, woodland, and indoor gallery spaces.
Mark Bass, president of British Naturism, said: 'Events like the art trip are booking up really quickly. Interest in naturism in Scotland is growing year on year. These are times of economic and social uncertainty around the world, which is making people want to reclaim their identity and freedom – which is what naturism offers.'
The naturists will be in illustrious company, as among the works on display is I Lay Here For You, a 20ft-long bronze sculpture of a woman stretched out naked on the ground by British artist Tracey Emin. According to research by British Naturism, around 9 per cent of people in Scotland identify as naturists, while around 26 per cent have tried 'skinny dipping' at some point.
Upcoming Naturist Events
The trip to Jupiter Artland in August is part of a naturist weekend that also includes a clothes-free cruise on the River Forth. A highlight of the naturist calendar will be the Highland Walking weekend, when dozens of naked ramblers are set to hike amidst the spectacular mountain scenery near Loch Ossian on Rannoch Moor. Later in the year, up to 200 naturists are expected to gather for a Halloween-themed weekend at the King Robert Hotel in Stirling, featuring crafts, entertainments, body-painting, and a visit to a nearby axe-throwing centre. Meanwhile, the Arlington Baths in Glasgow offers a weekly session of naturist swimming. According to the Naturist Guide website, there are no fewer than eight commonly used nudist beaches in Scotland.
Under UK law, someone can be charged with indecency if their nudity is intended to cause alarm or distress, but simply being naked in public is not considered illegal.
