Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

How Nudes Changed Britain

Aug 2, 2024

Join Tabitha Barber, curator of the Tate Britain exhibition Now You See Us, as she reveals the profound impact of nudes on Victorian England. Discover how the 1894 rights for women to draw nude models sparked a cultural shift towards female artistic expression. Tabitha discusses the historical neglect of women artists and their fight for equality, and celebrates icons like Rosa Bonheur. The conversation uncovers the intersection of art and activism, illustrating how these women bravely challenged societal norms in a male-dominated art world.

32:07

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Episode guests

Tabitha Barber

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The establishment of the Slade School of Art marked a significant shift in providing equal access to artistic training for both men and women.

The challenge of depicting nudes in women's art symbolized their struggle for legitimacy and recognition in a male-dominated artistic landscape.

Deep dives

The Price of Progress: Women in Art

The discussion highlights the long-standing struggle of women artists to gain access to professional training and recognition within the male-dominated art world. Women were historically excluded from life drawing classes, which were essential for mastering anatomy and figurative art, often relegated to private or amateur status instead. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the establishment of the Slade School of Art in 1871, which offered men and women equal access to life models, marking a progressive shift. However, the Royal Academy was much slower in allowing women access to these important artistic resources and training.

Intro

3min

The Role of Nudes and Women's Contributions in Art History

4min

Unveiling Women's Artistry

7min

Women Artists in the 19th Century

7min

Women in Art: Struggles and Triumphs

12min

Exploring Art and Interaction at Tate Britain

2min

Why were nudes so significant in Victorian England? What role did painting them play in wider social change at that time? And why didn't men think that women had the capacity for genius?

Joining Kate today is Tabitha Barber, curator of the Tate Britain exhibition Now You See Us, which explores women artists in Britain over the last 500 years.

You can also watch Kate in a documentary all about this, called The Fight To Paint, over on History Hit - simply follow this link.

This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

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Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

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