British Naturism host tour of Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Naturists flocked to the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery on West Street for a night like no other on Tuesday, September 17 as naked guests were treated to a private tour.

Never done before in the UK, it follows the trend set by museums across the globe and saw 65 guests have a private tour of the museum, in the nude after closing hours.

(Image: Andy Jones)

The event was organised by British Naturism and served as way for its members to explore the historical artifacts of Dorset and poetry of Thomas Hardy, in the buff.

Ed Brand, 70, from Bridport, was inspired by similar events around the world and wrote to the museum.

He said:  "I remembered from the back of my mind some Youtube stuff of tours in museums in Barcelona, Paris and Tokyo.

Ed Brand, right, discussing the work of Thomas Hardy (Image: Andy Jones)

"So I had this mad idea, why don’t we do it in Dorchester? I put in a letter to the museum and much to my pleasant surprise, they came back to me and said lets talk and here we are today."

Neil, 65, from Weymouth was admiring one of his favourite paintings in the museum, Dorset Quarrymen, Three workers, by Alfred Palmer, and spoke of why he got into naturism in the first place.

Neil, 65, from Weymouth in front of his favourite painting, Dorset Quarrymen, Three workers, by Alfred Palmer (Image: Andy Jones)

He said: "Firstly, the sense of freedom it brings and secondly there is so much pressure and expectations and conformity, a lot of which is very unhealthy, and naturism is a great leveller in that sense  - we are all in the same boat.

"There is a feel good element to it and you very quickly get over the first time."

Michael and Fiona Discombe had travelled from Devizes, Wiltshire, for the evening and admitted they got into naturism by 'accident' whilst on their honeymoon, but are now huge advocates in promoting the lifestyle choice.

Fiona, 55 and Micheal 52 from Devizes got into naturism on their honeymoon (Image: Andy Jones)

Fiona said: "From my point of view, coming to events like this, I am trying to promote naturism to everybody, including woman.

"Unfortunately naturism does have an in balance between men and woman, but we are trying to change that by doing more events like this at the museum, where the event is what draws you in and nudity is secondary."

Her husband Michael believes societal factors mean people do not view their bodies in a healthy way and that naturism is a great way to boost mental health.

He added: "It is a great confidence booster and it gives you body confidence.

"Rather than seeing people airbrushed, and what the media expects your body to look like, we are trying to promote normal bodies and we try and get out there and been seen by different people and we have always been positively received."