Get a glimpse into the mind of a famous artist in the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. See her sculptures, made using a range of materials, left in the same places that Hepworth originally intended. This personal and intimate context allows visitors to better understand the processes and ideas of one of Britain’s greatest sculptors.
Barbara Hepworth was born in 1903 and in her lifetime she mingled with greats such as Piet Mondrian and Wassily Kandinsky. Visit the museum in St. Ives to view work that was created when she was already a major name in the art world. She moved here in 1950 and stayed until her death in 1975, before her house became a museum.
Upon moving to St. Ives, Hepworth became increasingly interested in sculpting with bronze. Stroll around her gardens to see some of her huge, abstract pieces made in this medium. Look for the hypnotic spirals of Garden Sculpture (Model for Meridian) and the imposing, monolithic Conversation with Magic Stones.
Inside the house, admire some of Hepworth’s smaller works. The range of pieces contained here show the artist’s flair for nature-inspired curves. The museum also contains several paintings and sketches by Hepworth.
Join one of the daily tours of the museum to better understand the stories behind each item. Tours are free with entry to the museum and are led by one of the knowledgeable team members at the gallery.
Attend one of the events hosted at the museum or in the nearby Tate St. Ives. The Tate runs art tours around the coastal town, which stop at the Barbara Hepworth Museum among others. Alternatively, you can enjoy musical performances at dawn and family-oriented tours in the gardens.
Tickets to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden can be combined with tickets to the Tate St. Ives, who look after the collection here. Visit the museum on any day of the week and walk here easily from the St. Ives train station, which is about 6 minutes away.
