A visit to an art gallery can be a good opportunity to catch a glimpse of famous nudes – or an impressive bust or two.
But lovers of the Old Masters would get a very different picture if they visited a museum that offered a very special, one-off private viewing.
The institution in question had opened its doors to a group of 65 naked history enthusiasts, who were hosting a group from British Naturism.
And the naked aesthetes offered surprising perspectives on art – and on their unusual way of life.
Fiona Discombe, a long-term naturist, is pictured here with her husband Mike. She explained that while some people attend nude events hoping for a sex-fueled orgy, they are often disappointed with the reality
MailOnline spoke to Mrs Discombe and her husband Mike ahead of the UK’s first ever Nude Museum Evening
The evening – organised by Dorset Museum – saw over 60 nudists from far and wide gather to stroll around the gallery – champagne in hand – without any clothes on
Ms Discombe stressed that British Naturism (BN) – which organises nude events in the UK – has a strict no-tolerance policy when it comes to undesirables and even has its own set of unspoken rules
A female nudist revealed the biggest misconception about naturism and why many people get dressed and leave gatherings naked after just ten minutes.
Fiona Discombe, 55, a long-time naturist, explains that some people go to nude events hoping for a sex-filled orgy, but are often disappointed with the reality.
MailOnline spoke to Mrs Discombe and her husband Mike, 52, ahead of the UK’s first ever Nude Museum Night. They were hoping to catch a glimpse of the event in full swing and find out more about the reasons why they choose to be naked.
The evening, organised by Dorset Museum, attracted over 60 nudists from far and wide who hung out in the gallery, champagne in hand and completely naked.
Mrs Discombe, a carer from Devizes, Wiltshire, has enjoyed the naked life with her husband Mike for 30 years, but is often frustrated by the myths surrounding naturism.
Ms Discombe told MailOnline: ‘Generally speaking, if people come with the wrong idea, they think it’s going to be a great sexual orgy and after ten minutes they go home.’
She told MailOnline: ‘Usually people turn up with the wrong idea. They think it’s going to be a great sex orgy and then they go home after ten minutes.’
She added: ‘I think people think that if you’re a naturist you’re just going to a sex party or something. As a woman I think people think that of me too. That’s not true at all, so I can completely debunk that myth.
“We’re not all weird. We’re just normal people who do things with our clothes off, really.”
Ms Discombe also stressed that British Naturism (BN), which organises nude events in the UK, has a strict ‘no tolerance’ policy when it comes to undesirables and even has some unwritten rules of its own.
‘Of course, they stand out very quickly because of their behavior. So you can actually just turn around and say: “Your behavior is not appropriate, that’s not what this is about, you can leave me alone.
‘If it gets out of hand, then of course you make sure that people get them out of the situation.’
At every official BN gathering there is a special team of security officers present who also attend the event and quickly show the door to anyone suspected of being there for the wrong reason.
Mrs. Discombe also gave an important tip for proper etiquette when attending a nude event.
“When you talk to someone, you always look them in the eye. You don’t look at their breasts or genitals or anything like that. And you have to sit on a towel or something,” she said.
At every official BN gathering there is a special team of security officers who also attend the event and are quick to show the door to anyone suspected of being there for the wrong reasons.
Mrs Discombe’s husband Mike, who is also a nudist and accompanied her to the nudist evening, was looking forward to the event and exploring the exhibition with ‘like-minded people’
Claire Dixon, the museum’s director, told MailOnline: ‘The benefit for us is that it really allows us to show that we are here for everyone. There are so many different ways to visit, enjoy and use the museum, and I hope it’s a good idea.’
Ms Dixon admitted that when she was approached by BN and asked to host the event, she was initially surprised by the ‘unusual’ request
Dorset Museum and Art Gallery in Dorchester hosted Britain’s first nude exhibition last night, giving visitors a unique opportunity to see the artefacts in their most extreme form.
Claire Dixon, the director, admitted that when BN approached her to ask her to host the event, she was initially surprised by the ‘unusual’ request, but she took them up on their offer anyway.
She told MailOnline: ‘The benefit for us is that it really allows us to show that we are here for everyone. There are so many different ways to visit, enjoy and use the museum, and I hope it’s a good idea.’
Ms Dixon added that the museum is “struggling” and she is “overwhelmed” by people coming up with new ideas and ways to generate more income.
Mrs Discombe’s husband Mike, who is also a nudist and accompanied her to the nudist evening, was looking forward to the event and wanted to explore the exhibition with ‘like-minded people’.