The Hepworth Wakefield

A week or so ago I visited the contemporary Hepworth gallery in Wakefield for the first time. Named for Wakefield born sculpture Barbara Hepworth, "The Hepworth Wakefield is the largest purpose-built exhibition space outside of London." 

 

 The Hepworth Wakefield

On permanent display at the gallery are 44 full size working models "made in preparation for the works in bronze Hepworth executed from the mid-1950s to the end of her career". I really liked the fluid shapes and smooth surfaces. There was rarely a sharp edge in sight.

The sculptures benefit from the spacious, light filled gallery space. 

Winged Figure

Unveiled to the public in 1963, the full-size 'Winged Figure' has stood in front of John Lewis's flagship store on Oxford Street in London for over 50 years. (The smaller version is on permanent display at The Hepworth.) 

Commissioned to evoke common interest and ownership, "it is estimated that the sculpture is seen by 200 million people a year."

I particularly enjoyed the exhibition 'British Sculptures as Print Makers' that explores the link between print and sculpture. Sculptures often use printmaking to "work on ideas which would eventually translate into sculpture".

It was noted in the exhibition that Hepworth also worked the other way, transferring sculptures into prints. Walking between the two mediums, clear links could be made.

Morning Shadows, 2012

Not restricted to the work of Barbara Hepworth, the gallery also celebrates other contemporary sculptures. 'Caro in Yorkshire' traces Sir Anthony Caro's "interest in architectural principles from early abstract works throughout his remarkable career".

Instinctively you want to interact with Caro's large, floor-filling pieces. Luckily, if you are under 10 years of age there is a circular staircase you can climb!

'Caro in Yorkshire' is on display until 1st November 2015.

Have you visited The Hepworth Wakefield?

Image credits:

All photos are my own, apart from:

Winged Figure: http://www.hepworthwakefield.org/news/john-lewis-oxford-street-and-the-hepworth-wakefield-celebrate-50-years-of-winged-figure/ 

Morning Shadows: http://www.hepworthwakefield.org/whatson/anthony-caro/

Quotes are taken from The Hepworth Wakefield website.

Until next week...

-Karen