A rare wooden carving by the renowned abstract sculptor Barbara Hepworth, considered one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, has been preserved for the nation following a successful fundraising campaign that amassed £3.8m. This carving, titled “Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red” and created in 1943, marks a pivotal moment in Hepworth’s career. It is one of the few wooden carvings she crafted during the 1940s and stands out for its use of strings, symbolizing her ingenuity and creativity.
Originally in private ownership and seldom displayed to the public, this carving will now become part of the UK’s national collection. It is set to be showcased permanently at the Hepworth Wakefield museum, located in Hepworth’s hometown of West Yorkshire.
The government initially placed a temporary ban on the carving’s export when it was sold anonymously at Christie’s a year ago. This delay allowed for the necessary funding to be raised to keep the piece in the UK.
Barbara Hepworth, known for her groundbreaking work in abstract sculpture, particularly her pieces that incorporate strings, moved from war-torn London to Carbis Bay in St Ives, Cornwall, with her family in 1939. Despite the challenges of limited studio space and material access, she managed to create “Sculpture with Colour” in 1943. This work stands out for its multi-colored strings taut against a pale blue interior, reflecting her inspiration from the Cornish landscape.
The acquisition, funded by over 2,800 public donations and significant contributions from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Art Fund, will bolster The Hepworth Wakefield’s ability to present a comprehensive understanding of Hepworth’s career and her innovative contributions to art. The museum’s interim director and CEO, Olivia Colling, believes Hepworth would have been gratified by the community’s effort to include her work in a public collection.
Art Fund trustee and artist Richard Deacon, who first encountered the sculpture in 1968 at the Tate Gallery, praises the carving as a testament to Hepworth’s unwavering artistic spirit and foresight. He considers The Hepworth Wakefield an ideal setting for this significant piece, ensuring it will inspire and educate the public for generations to come.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/aug/19/barbara-hepworth-sculpture-with-colour-saved-for-nation
