Helen talks to Prof. Annebella Pollen - part 2

What this episode covers

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. And if you are interested in our BN Ladies Only holiday, we will be heading to Vritomartis in Crete for a week from the 1st June. Email Helen at Women in Focus for details. Links for Prof. Annebella Pollen: University of Brighton: research.brighton.ac.uk/en/persons/annebella-pollen Instagram: instagram.com/annebella_pollen Book - "Nudism in a Cold Climate": atelier-editions.com/products/nudism-in-a-cold-climate Paper - "Utopian Bodies and Anti-fashion Futures: The Dress Theories and Practices of English Interwar Nudists": muse.jhu.edu/pub/2/article/686648/pdf Paper - "Indignities Imposed by Arbitrary Adult Rule?": muse.jhu.edu/pub/50/article/933826/pdf Siobhan Hazzan: www.cnfellowship.org Women In Naturism website: womeninnaturism.uk British Naturism Events: bn.org.uk/events-home Join British Naturism: bn.org.uk/membershipinfo Contact Women in Focus: [email protected]