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Naked Venus banned from the Tube
Benedict Moore-Bridger, Evening Standard13.02.08
A portrait of a naked venus has been banned from London Underground stations after worries it will offend commuters.
The picture - intended to be the main poster for a Royal Academy of Arts show - was thrown out after concerns it breached advertising guidelines on sex and nudity.
Lucas Cranach the Elder's Venus, wearing a necklace, see-through shawl and a hint of a smile, was to be displayed to promote an exhibition on the 16th-century German artist.
But it was deemed potentially offensive to passengers and the Royal Academy says it is trying to find a "less naked" alternative image. A spokesman said: "We don't have a version B where she's got her clothes on. We're just hoping they change their minds and accept her."
A spokesman for London Underground said: "We have to take account of the full range of travellers and endeavour not to cause offence in the advertising on display."
Reader views (13)
I agree, there is nothing wrong with the painting of a nude woman. It is beautiful. Ken and co will do anything to get those votes - even if it means dragging us all back to the repression and hypocrisy of our hideous past - a past that our predecessors’ gave blood to change for the benefit of a free society.
- Ivegotanasbo, London
It's OK to show posters celebrating guns and violence in movies, and photos of women wearing next to nothing advertising holidays, but not a 16th Century painting. Ken Livingstone's PC thought police strike again.
- Ian, London
Ha ha, I thought that too Marc!
Ridiculous - another example of the British populace being treated like children!
- Spike, Bucks, UK
This is a charming painting. It celebrates femininity and is utterly inoffensive. I believe the vile moving screens showing live advertisements should be banned from the Underground because they are a fire risk and a waste of energy; but this Venus is amazingly vibrant and reminds us that human beings in the 16th Century were enjoying Spring, nature and being alive.
- Miranda Dunn - Green Party, London, England
What absolute crass and mindless self-censorship. Exactly who are these offended people? To be honest - if they are offended then they aren't living in the modern world (and I mean post 1700 enlightenment).
- Dave Mellor, London
If they want to remove offensive things from the Underground, I'd suggest a much better start could be made with the assorted drunks and foul-mouthed yobs.
- Paul, Norfolk
Please, please, it is time to get a life.
- Samuel Lewis, London
Who was worried? Who was doing the deeming? Relax people, have no fears, it's just great art but not as you know it.
- Peter Haldane, London
Rubbish, put the painting up!
- Sarah, London
The bit where the excuse "because it will offend commuters" really mean "because it will offend Muslims"?
- Marc, Harrow, Uk
As Moe Sizlack once said "Won't someone please think of the children".
Thanks to LUL for protecting us commuters from some distressing imagery. Oh while you are at it how about expending some time & energy fixing the tube. Those things you call "signals" - a bit unreliable aren't they? someone really should look into that.
- Crm, London
I'm more offended by London Underground's inability to run a consistent service, endless idiotic announcements on the tannoy and a lack of security for customers. When did LU's management decide they were also public censors and guardians of moral decency? We're not living in the 1950's and the Advertising Standards Authority is there to enforce the rules, not LU.
- Tony Mcmahon, London, UK
It's PC gone mad!
- Vincent, Kent
