For centuries the human body has been a source of fascination for artists. Today's Fine Art students still spend a considerable amount of their time in the life drawing class. This Museum Services exhibition features examples of life studies from the museum collections dating back over a hundred years, exploring the way the depiction of the nude form has changed over time.
Most of the examples are works by former students, including some (like Paul Reid or Stephen Lockhart) for whom detailed depictions of the human form have been at the very heart of their work.
A historical context for the exhibition is provided by key examples from the 19th century including studies by William Etty, whose more than enthusiastic interest in female nudes led to his expulsion from the Royal Academy life drawing classes! The exhibition is now open in the Lamb Gallery and runs until 18 July.
