Paintings removed for 'being offensive' - 18/08/2010

Artist John Vesty had prepared 22 nude paintings to be displayed at an art gallery, situated on the first floor in North Norfolk's District Council's headquarters, but they were removed after one day.

The paintings depicted nude or semi-nude women, which were deemed offensive. As a result they were removed and stored in a cupboard.

Norfolk council has stated that it received a few complaints from members of staff and denied that it was due to political correctness.

Mr Vesty was astonished as the council had not raised any objections when he booked the exhibition space or when he sent them a sample of his work.

He said: "I'm totally baffled. Where have these people been for the last 3,000 years? I have never met anyone who would react like that to paintings like this. It's a bizarre reaction."

Some of the works are now being displayed at the Arterie Gallery, which is close to the council's offices.

Mr Vesty lives in Norfolk and is known for his landscapes although he is currently delving into the realms of figure painting and still-lifes.

Posted by Harry Baxter