Hepworth Museum
Last Visited: 2003
Plaster version of Oval Sculpture (Delos) 1955
Housed in Barbara Hepworthʼs old house in St Ives, the initial impressions are disappointing, as the whole of the interior has been stripped out and turned into an exhibition space and museum. Lots of information about Hepworth, but impossible to imagine her (or anyone else for that matter) living here.
Hepworth's Studio
Hepworth Museum
However, as soon as you get up the stairs and out into the garden, everything changes. The cold aesthetics of the Tate Gallery disappear and you are surrounded by Hepworthʼs sculptures in their natural habitat.
At the top of the garden is her studio, left pretty much as it was when she died, and suddenly, not only can you imagine here here, you almost expect her to appear round the corner any minute and carry on were she left off.
A slightly scary thought.
Donʼt miss Tate St Ives whilst youʼre in the area. More cold (not to say brutal) interiors, but with a nice roof café with great views over Porthmeor Beach and The Island.
Check the Tateʼs website for opening times etc. for both sites.