Naked viewing hosted at museum

Those attended viewed the historical artefacts and works of art and literature held by the museum

More than 60 people have attended a special private viewing to allow naturists to visit a museum.

Dorset Museum in Dorchester offered the opportunity to wander through its galleries naked on Tuesday evening.

The ticket price for the event, organised by British Naturism, included a glass of wine, changing facilities and a locker for clothes.

Museum Director Claire Dixon said it "showcased the ways museums can provide for their communities".

In what is thought to be the first event of its kind at a UK museum, 65 people were given a private tour of the museum after it had closed to the public.

Fiona Discombe, who attended with her husband Michael, said "This is an event we really wanted to come to as it's different.

"Obviously you're sharing an experience with like-minded people, it's great fun."

Keith Bowman, from the Dorset branch of British Naturism, said he was "relieved" to have sold more tickets than anticipated.

"My remit is to try and find new venues," he said.

"I write to a lot of venues asking if they would entertain such a visit and Dorset Museum responded very quickly."

Visitors were able to peruse the exbibits unclothed

'Here for everybody'

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery in Dorchester's High East Street reopened in 2021 after a £16.4m revamp lasting more than two years.

Collections include the story of palaeontologist Mary Anning, the archive of novelist Thomas Hardy and works by sculptor Elisabeth Frink, along with 250 million years of natural history.

In January, the museum said Covid-19, the cost of living crisis, Brexit and the war in Ukraine had affected visitor growth while costs had also risen.

Ms Dixon said the idea for the event came about after she publicly warned the venue was struggling and needed new ways to boost funds and visitor numbers.

"I received an overwhelming response," she continued.

"A lot of people got in touch with ideas and suggestions for ways they could help.

"For us it's fantastic as it enables us to showcase the many ways you can see a museum and the fact that we're here for everybody."