Royal artist's anger over exhibition of 'sexually explicit artwork' in gallery used by children

Published: 23:10, 17 August 2026 | Updated: 23:13, 17 August 2026 A royal portrait artist has joined calls for an investigation into a publicly funded arts gallery accused of displaying sexually explicit artwork close to activities for youngsters. An exhibition about Bloomsbury artist Duncan Grant at Firstsite in Colchester features images of male and female genitalia and an audio track in which a man reels off sexual demands. Much of it is in a room for over-18s only, but campaigners say adult-themed material is being displayed in communal areas used by children and families. Barbara Kaczmarowska-Hamilton – known as Basia Hamilton – who painted the late Queen and Queen Mother, has joined a group of artists writing to the Charity Commission raising issues of child safeguarding and use of charitable resources for the exhibition – Duncan Grant: Worlds Through Desire: From Drawing to Cruising to DMs, which explores his sexuality. They wrote: 'Pornographic or graphically sexual material is not transformed into fine art merely because it is placed on the wall of a publicly funded gallery.' Mrs Hamilton, who co-founded the Portrait Foundation to encourage children's art, said: 'Would a child seeing these pictures be inspired to paint or study art? Children need to be inspired by beauty – and this is not beauty.' Concerns were raised by a visitor to Firstsite, who shared footage on social media of portraits of naked men and scantily clad men mounted against a backdrop of Pokemon cards – a game popular with children. Rachel Mathews, founder of local government watchdog Council Watch, who saw the Facebook complaint called the Pokemon cards 'a child magnet'. Barbara Kaczmarowska-Hamilton (pictured) – known as Basia Hamilton –  has joined a group of artists writing to the Charity Commission Mrs Hamilton painted the late Queen Mother in 2001, with sittings taking place at the Castle of Mey in Caithness, Scotland An exhibition about Bloomsbury artist Duncan Grant at Firstsite in Colchester (pictured) features images of male and female genitalia and an audio track in which a man reels off sexual demands Council Watch campaigners repeatedly raised concerns with local councillors but Green Party councillor Mark Goacher initially said the filming was 'clearly part of an anti-LGBT agenda'.  After seeing photographs from the exhibition, he acknowledged 'legitimate concerns have been raised'. It was reported Firstsite subsequently strengthened its warning signs and introduced ID checks and a steward at the entrance. Essex County Council said: 'We are satisfied that appropriate safeguards are in place for this exhibition.'  Colchester City Council said Firstsite was an independent charity responsible for its exhibitions. Firstsite was approached for comment.