The organisers of the daytime class have criticised the Hampstead Community Centre for its “puritanical” approach, claiming it has adopted a “Taliban attitude toward artistic expression” following complaints about the models.

But the group leader since 2022, Tony reported that complaints were raised last month regarding the class being scheduled between two children’s sessions.

He stated that the group was given the option to either move the class to the evening, dress the models, or find a new location.

Swan stated, “black all the windows out and put signage up, so no one stumbles in on us – and it has worked for 30 years”.

He also contended that shifting the class to the evenings would significantly reduce attendance while requiring the models to wear clothes would undermine the class’s purpose.

The controversy arises from “safeguarding concerns” that were initially expressed in January regarding the class being scheduled between two children’s sessions. It is not clear who brought up such concerns.

A spokesman for the Hampstead Community Centre explained that safeguarding concerns were raised about the life-drawing class being scheduled between two children’s sessions.

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He stated that the decision was made to balance the needs of all users and that when the organiser declined to hold the class in the evenings, they suggested a figure-drawing class as an alternative.

The organisers have ultimately chosen to relocate the classes to another community, the Quaker Meeting House.

The art class has been hosted at the venue for over 30 years and has been especially popular among seniors, as one of its sessions occurs on Friday afternoons.