Find local news in Kent

Home   Folkestone   News   Article

Cheeky models line up naked on The Warren beach in Folkestone for world-renowned artist Spencer Tunick for project called Scope Out

15:00, 15 May 2014

A group of naked volunteers have lined up on a Folkestone beach today - to pose for a world-renowned artist.

More than 100 brave models bared all by the sea to pose for Spencer Tunick's latest project at The Warren this afternoon.

The eye-popping sight - during a secret photoshoot - will be launched at an exhibition in the town on Saturday night.

Scroll down for video

A group of naked models on The Warren at Folkestone. Picture: Simon Burchett
A group of naked models on The Warren at Folkestone. Picture: Simon Burchett

Tunick, who specialises in posing volunteers nude in public places, will be opening the exhibition of the photos at Strange Cargo, in the Georges House Gallery in The Old High Street, at 7.30pm.

He is travelling to London tonight to get the images developed before placing them into a small scope.

Every participant will be given their "scope" on Saturday night and Tunick's work will open on the night and run until Tuesday, June 3.

Preparations are in full swing at the gallery for the exhibition.

Naked volunteers line up on the beach at The Warren in Folkestone for Spencer Tunick. Picture: Gary Browne
Naked volunteers line up on the beach at The Warren in Folkestone for Spencer Tunick. Picture: Gary Browne
The group pose for photographic artist Spencer Tunick on The Warren in Folkestone. Picture: Simon Burchett
The group pose for photographic artist Spencer Tunick on The Warren in Folkestone. Picture: Simon Burchett

Known as "Scope Out", it is part of the Museums at Night programme this week which involves artists from all around the world taking part in over 600 events across the country.

Participants came from all over the country including Rhyl in North Wales and Milton Keynes and some models from closer to home including Folkestone, Hawkinge and Hythe.

Tunick will take shots of each participant individually using traditional film before punching them out as a tiny thumbnail size image and placing them in a pocket sized scope which will use light to project the image when you look through.

Spencer Tunick's Folkestone project starts today. The coloured boxes are the scopes which he will be putting his pictures in for each participant
Spencer Tunick's Folkestone project starts today. The coloured boxes are the scopes which he will be putting his pictures in for each participant

Tunick says his inspiration for the project came from sharing photos on social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

He said: "People used to buy these things at hotels or amusement parks and carry it around with you.

"Like when Andy Warhol would do polaroids and give them out. It's a very intimate way. It was a precursor to sharing on your iPhone. It's my homage to this and using film in general."

Tunick's work will be exhibiting at Georges House in Folkestone
Tunick's work will be exhibiting at Georges House in Folkestone

Folkestone won the right to be the host after winning a vote led by the #readyforspencer campaign run by members of the community.

Kay McLoughlin, who created the campaign to get Spencer to Folkestone, said: "I'm doing it because it's a unique opportunity, I have to put my money where my mouth is after creating the campaign."

"I'm looking forward to looking back at the photo and remembering when my boobs only reached my belly and not my knees! It's brilliant for Strange Cargo, they deserve it as a thank you for all the things they do for the people of Folkestone."

Kay McLoughlin set up the 'Ready for Spencer' social media campaign
Kay McLoughlin set up the 'Ready for Spencer' social media campaign

The town beat Hastings and Brighton to host the project.

Video: People get naked in Folkestone for photo shoot


Stories you might have missed

From romance to robbery... with a crowbar

Manston Airport prepares for final goodbye

Revealed: Where secret cameras are on M25 in Kent

Crowbar-wielding thug robs pub


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More