Helen talks to Prof. Annebella Pollen - part 2

Helen talks to Prof. Annebella Pollen - part 2

From Women in Focus by British Naturism

February 7, 2026 · 50 min · Episode 27

About this episode

Helen continues her conversation with Prof. Annebella Pollen about the historical and contemporary roles of women in naturism.

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"…

People in this episode

Host: Helen

Guest: Prof. Annebella Pollen

Topics covered

  • naturism
  • feminism
  • women's roles
  • body representation
  • diversity
  • history

Keywords

  • naturism
  • feminism
  • women's participation
  • body image
  • historical advocacy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Brighton, BN Ladies Only

Books & works: Nudism in a Cold Climate

Places: Vritomartis, Crete

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