Art college may ban nudes after complaints

A London art college is considering banning drawings and paintings of nudes from its walls after complaints about the nature of some student artwork.

A London art college is considering banning drawings and paintings of nudes from its walls after complaints about the nature of some student artwork.

The artist Maggi Hambling, who has taught life drawing at Morley College since the 1970s, described the decision as "incomprehensible".

Morley College has sent out a questionnaire to staff and students asking whether they think the practice of displaying paintings and drawings of the naked human form in public spaces should continue. No decision will be taken until the results are collected at the end of this week.

Hambling said: "I've taught painting and drawing of the human figure over 30 years and it's the best possible discipline to train the eye and the painting and the hand. If a student does a piece of work - drawing or painting - that's good enough to have on the wall, then of course it should be exhibited.It's no different than if it is a tree, or a piece of cheese."

In a statement, Morley College said: "A few people have raised a concern over the nature of some of the student artwork displayed in the college. Before reviewing its policy the college decided to survey staff and students to determine the strength of feeling over this issue."