Dame Harriet Walter reads a letter about sexuality in middle age

In 1981, experimental artist Carolee Schneemann unveiled "Fresh Blood," an 11-minute-long nude performance piece in which she explored menstrual blood's cultural and symbolic meanings, immersing viewers in a provocative exploration of the female body. Shortly after it opened, Schneemann wrote the following letter to friend and fellow artist Dick Higgins, who had been in touch since witnessing her striking new work.
Dame Harriet Walter joined us to read it at Letters Live at London's Royal Albert Hall, on March 6th 2024.

[@fenlandwildlifeclips]

In my late 20's I worked in a care home. I noticed one of the ladies (aged 95) liked to watch the football. I said one day "you just like looking at the men don't you?." She said "if you look closely some's got big uns & some's got little uns." I suspect ahe wasn't referring to foot size...

[@juliet8678]

😂

[@bdgies2721]

As a 65 yr old life drawing model, this speaks to me. The body is as the body is. It makes the younger people, who gaze upon it as they draw or paint, consider their own bodies and their future selves.

[@emom358]

I love Dame Harriet Walter. She is a treasure.

[@cmtippens9209]

Absolutely 💯

[@kevt5251]

Was lucky enough to be there fabulous

[@JBaxter-pi8oj]

Well written, well read, well done!

[@duskycranesbill]

I assure you, it is entirely possible to be sexually active in your 70's, with both passion and pleasure (and a long-familiar spouse.) And to not give a damn about "image"!

[@kidmohair8151]

I'm old now and I am so glad that my hormones have *stopped* raging.
I still feel attraction for others, but not lust.

[@corlisscrabtree3647]

Thank you 🙏

[@dinacox1971]

I misread this initially to understand this was to be about sexuality in the middle ages. Imagine my surprise to learn there were photographs in the Middle Ages. LOL

[@j.b.9260]

Harriet is 73, I'm 34, and yes, I'm attracted.

[@magnamarianneczagany8970]

This wasn’t as clever or funny as I thought it would be just bla bla.

[@julierogers1155]

Awwww, sweetie.