UK’S MOST PROMINENT SWINGER SET TO HOST PRIVATE EXHIBITION FOR THE WORKS OF THE UK’S MOST OUTRAGEOUS ARTIST
10am and 7pm on Saturday 02 December.
Richard Stanley, well-known host for many years of swinger parties in Radlett, Hertfordshire, is set to host the graphic artworks of one of the UK’s most explicit artists, Ruth Bircham.
Ms Bircham, from Norbury in London, is a disabled, black artist who has been exhibited all over the world, but her works have drawn considerable notoriety.
Depicting intimate human parts and genitalia, some of Bircham’s works have seen her artwork placed into dark corners, even in erotic-themed exhibitions. On one infamous occasion the models in her artwork stripped naked and mingled with guests, resulting in her work being banned from the venue.
No such problems will arise when she is the centre piece at Radlett, where her vivid paintings are put on display at Littlecroft, the private home of Richard Stanley. Stanley’s long career as a management consultant saw him host over 300 parties at the 17-acre property. The pair hope that the unprecedented event will attract serious but open-minded art collectors and enthusiasts.
Says Ruth,
“I was thrilled when Richard said he’d allow me to show my artwork at Littlecroft. It’s such a wonderful place to visit.
“People are always asking me online about my work and what inspires it. Now they can meet me in person and see my works up close.
“I love the effect it has on people, especially the unwary. But really, what is the fuss about? Art can be anything and I paint other themes, but my human bodies seem to be what makes a fuss and a ripple. People seem surprised to find I am black, as though I am breaking a taboo. There are not taboos for art.”
Richard Stanley says,
“Art, good art, is expensive. This is a proper exhibition of an established UK talent. Ruth’s work has an international pedigree, and the establishment’s reticence at allowing her to exhibit freely is what gave us the idea to try something different.
“What I learned from many years of swinging is that the kind of open-minded people who attend parties are intelligent and cultured. That is similar to how people receive art: they are slow to judge and go past their initial reactions. Ruth’s work has a lot of social messaging about acceptance and social equality, so I am honoured to have her work shown here.”
Bircham’s art also includes social and political paintings relating to the struggles of ordinary people, British life, and struggle for power and liberation.
The unusual pop-up gallery is just outside London, and there is free parking, a local train service and free refreshments on offer.
The exhibition is being held between 10am and 7pm on Saturday 02 December.
It is free to attend. Those thinking of going please notify Ruth by email ruthbirchamart@mail.com
Venue address: Littlecroft, Theobald Street, Radlett, Hertfordshire, WD7 7LT.
~ ENDS ~
NOTES
Both Richard and Ruth are available for interviews and profiles.
About Ruth
Living in Norbury, Ruth was born in England to Jamaican parents. Her disability stems from a disastrous medical error which severely restricts her walking. She won a scholarship to Croydon College to study art and multimedia followed by a BA (Hon) In Fine Art and Combined Media in 2001. Among other places, her work has been exhibited at the Cork Street and Espacio Galleries in London, and in South Africa, Belgium, Canada and Germany. She usually uses acrylic paints.
About Richard
A successful management consultant and adventurer, Richard owns the country house Littlecroft. A substantial venue set in 17 acres it has been well known throughout the international swinging fraternity for lavish parties and featured in several documentaries. Richard has visited 87 countries and sailed most of the British coast in his 16-foot dinghy, rebuilt the motorcycle he bought at 16, canoed major rivers of France, driven to Moscow, Damascus and into the Sahara.