Home
Location
Housed in Barbara Hepworth's 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.
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 Hepworth's 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.
Don't miss Tate St Ives whilst you're 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 Tate's website for opening times etc. for both sites.