Women in Focus with Annebella Pollen (part 2)
Episode 27: Images and identity in naturism's history
In part two, Helen continues her conversation with Professor Annebella Pollen from the University of Brighton, author of Nudism in a Cold Climate. Pollen explores why women have always been central to naturism despite being present in smaller numbers. She speaks about Maurice Parmelee's radical 1929 claim that “nudism is a powerful aid to feminism” and “the logical continuation of the women’s movement,” showing how early advocates saw naturism as breaking down artificial social barriers. Pollen traces women’s roles as not just models but photographers, editors, club co-owners, and pioneering thinkers who created platforms for future generations. The conversation examines how the same issues — women’s participation, diversity, body representation — have persisted across a century from the 1920s to today. Also discussed are contemporary challenges including social media hostility, the reality of unwanted initmate pictures, and how the naturist community itself remains remarkably respectful to everyone whilst external critism continues. 🪐
