In the Life Room we’re part of hundreds of years of tradition, and we’re also trying to find new and innovative ways to create art together. Life classes are places where we learn to see, improve our drawing skills, and also discover something about what it means to be human. We’re there to learn, but also to have fun doing that.

We all need to co-operate to keep the space of the class special for everyone, so we follow this code of conduct. Anyone breaking this code of conduct will be asked to leave the class, at the sole discretion of the tutor, with no refund of the class fees.

The basics: respect the model, respect each other, respect the space.

Respect the Model

The model is a real person, with feelings. They're in a vulnerable position, and we are privileged that they trust us enough to be naked in a room with us so that we can draw them. Respect them, and be mindful of their comfort at all times.

Do not touch the model. Stay out of the model's personal space, and don't enter the model's changing area, or touch their belongings.

When the model is in pose, you should be actively drawing. 

The tutor will set the poses in collaboration with the model, according to the model's capacities on that day. Sometimes they may need to break a pose, and that’s OK. We might discuss poses in the group: seek consensus, and especially don't order our model around - they always have the final say about the pose.

Be aware of how you're talking about the model as you're drawing. It's really easy to say rude, objectifying things about a model's body, especially because of how the model 'disappears' in to shape and tone as you draw. Try not to accidentally body shame (even if it's your drawing you're talking about). Respect the model's pronouns.

No photography. Taking photos of the model without the clear and unambiguous consent of the model and the tutor is not acceptable, and you will be asked to leave the class if you do this. (It's OK to take photographs of your own work in breaks, but be mindful of where the model is, and where you're pointing your phone.)

Respect the Space

Please arrive a little before the start of the class, to set up and to avoid disrupting the class if you arrive late.

Please keep your phones on silent, and put them away during classes. If you need to take a call, please leave the room.

Clean up after yourself if you drop materials or shed dust. If you're using paint or wet material, put down something to catch drips and spills. Please help put away materials and tidy the space at the end of the class.

No eating and drinking in the main space: bottled water is OK, but be careful of other people's belongings and drawings.

You're responsible for your own safety in the space, and for the safety of your classmates.

Read and agree the Workshop Safety Guidelines. Be aware of trip hazards, easels, electrical hazards, hot water, spillages and any potential hazards with art materials you're using.

If the fire alarm goes off, evacuate: do not stop to gather your belongings. Let your tutor know if you might find evacuating difficult.

Respect Each Other

We're a welcoming and positive class - be kind to each other, and be kind to yourself about your work, too. Treat each other with respect and dignity, as you'd like to be treated. 

If you feel uncomfortable in the class, for any reason, talk to your tutor. 

We will not tolerate harassment, bullying, or discrimination based on race, sex and gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, appearance or other protected characteristics; or any behaviour that creates a hostile or intimidating environment. 

Don't be that guy.

You understand that by attending a life class, you will be spending sustained time in a room looking at a naked person. You understand that this is not a sexual environment, but that we celebrate empathy, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a human inhabiting a body.

If you're under 18, you'll need to show that you have permission from a responsible adult to attend the class. Please contact your tutor before you book as we need to ensure we're taking good and appropriate care of you. Classes are not suitable for people under 14.