Controversial Nude Painting in Hay-on-Wye Sparks Police Visit and Public Debate
A painting of a nude woman displayed in a gallery window in Hay-on-Wye has sparked controversy, leading to a police visit and public debate.
The artwork, created by artist Poppy Baynham, features a naked woman wearing cowboy boots with her legs spread, revealing a symbolic black triangle with pink wool. Displayed at The Chair gallery, it quickly drew complaints from some members of the public, with claims that it was inappropriate for children and overly sexualized.
Gallery owner Val Harris said police visited her after receiving complaints under the Public Order Act, asking her to remove the painting from the window. However, Harris stood firm, refusing to take it down.
"I run an art gallery, I support my artists, so that's where we got to," she said.
She added that Baynham was also in favour of keeping the artwork in the window.
Painting divides local community
The painting has divided opinions in the local community, with Harris noting that public reactions have been "50:50." Some passers-by, including those with young children, have been unbothered by the display.
Jessie Dixon, a local resident, remarked, "I thought of it as exciting and playful... I never thought of it as sexual or offensive."
Meanwhile, another resident, Dawn Lewis, commented, "It's not my cup of tea but I can't see it being offensive personally, it's art."
Despite the controversy, Baynham has welcomed the attention.
"That's all an artist ever dreams of... their name getting out there and their work being seen," she said.
The painting forms part of an exhibition titled It’s Party Time and will play a key role in her final year dissertation at her art college in London.
A public meeting was held to discuss the artwork, where complaints about its display were read aloud. While the painting has faced criticism, Baynham said only supportive individuals attended the meeting, adding that the discussion has been overwhelmingly positive for her work.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they had received a report about the painting and visited the gallery but have not indicated if further action will be taken. Meanwhile, the artwork remains on display and is still for sale, with Baynham open to offers.
For now, the painting has become a symbol of artistic freedom and community debate, raising questions about the boundaries of public art and the perception of nudity in a small town known for its literary festival and bookshops.
