Jennie’s Palette

If there is one thing the British tabloids love, it is sordid little stories of nudity and sex. The need to create a scandal is something that the journalism industry thrives on. This is probably the key reason this painting and it’s participant were carefully concealed.

While it has been known that Cherie posed for Uglow, only now, six years after the artist’s death, has it been revealed that Striding Nude, Blue Dress is Mrs Blair.
Her distinctive facial profile is clearly recognisable, but the work was never completed because she decided to cut short the sittings to visit the US.
She married Tony Blair, then a trainee barrister colleague, shortly afterwards in 1980. As the pair moved into public life, so Uglow, who exhibited the picture briefly in 1983, decided it was best kept out of view.
I was life model for Cherie artist too – Britain – Times Online:

I think many of us have been in the position where we need a few extra bucks, and several of us have probably done similar things. There is probably going to be a substantial uproar over this piece and it’s famous model but I find myself wondering if this piece and it’s artist would have been given so much attention if it wasn’t for Cherie Blair. I am sure there will be many people will say it is wrong for a multitude of reasons but I look at this painting and I find myself thinking it will all be a big deal over nothing.

Tags: art news, controversy, Nude