7 amazing reasons to visit… The Hepworth Wakefield

This waterside gallery in Wakefield in Yorkshire celebrates British avant-garde, past and present

The Hepworth Wakefield on view in the evening light. Credit: Hufton Crow

Where can you find The Hepworth Wakefield?

Set on the Wakefield waterfront (where staff say it ‘almost gets its feet wet’), this gallery cuts a figure as a leading modern and contemporary art venue. It takes its name from the renowned modernist Barbara Hepworth, who was born in Wakefield, so it comes as no surprise that nature and light play an important part in the gallery’s identity. Not only does a huge window look out over the rushing waters of the River Calder, but the space itself is surrounded by a stunning public garden – one of the largest in the country. This amazing slice of tranquillity is right in the middle of the city and only a 20-minute walk from the station.

Why should you visit?

Since opening in 2011, The Hepworth Wakefield has played an essential role in celebrating not only British modernism but sculptural innovation. The building itself has a sculptural quality, comprised from a series of interlocking trapezoids designed by architect David Chipperfield. Its story begins with the Wakefield Art Gallery, which began collecting avant-garde work in the 1920s, supported by the wealthy industrialists of the period. Since then, an ambitious programme has welcomed local residents and art pilgrims. With such a history and its sleek spaces, it’s no wonder The Hepworth Wakefield won Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2017.

Barbara Hepworth’s Ascending Form (Gloria), 1958, on display in The Hepworth Wakefield Garden. Photo: Nick Singleton

Which exhibits are a must-see?

The institution houses one of the most significant collections of 20th-century British art in the country, including sculptures great and small by Hepworth and Henry Moore, and paintings by Eileen Agar and David Bomberg. With over 5,000 works, it is considered an important site to see a panoply of modernist creativity. Don’t just explore the galleries though, as the garden also holds treasures, including Hepworth’s Ascending Form (Gloria).

Jadé Fadojutimi, An Empathic Revolution 2022. Photo: Michael Brzezinski. Courtesy: Jadé Fadojutimi

What’s on this month?

Alongside the 5,000-strong permanent collection, a fantastic series of temporary exhibitions continues to celebrate avant-garde art from across Britain and beyond. A stand-out right now is a solo show by young sought-after painter Jadé Fadojutimi. Her large-scale canvases combine figuration and abstraction in a riot of colour, drawing viewers in to her expressive and somewhat mysterious world. Her dynamism is certainly in step with the gallery’s modernist legacy. See the exhibition until 19 March 2023.

Any artistic connections?

Beyond the obvious relationship to Hepworth, the gallery has long-standing connections with some of the most exciting artists working in Britain today. These include Lubaina Himid, Phyllida Barlow and Anthea Hamilton.

Art house on water. Photo: Iwan Baan

Here’s a fun fact…

The galleries have absolutely no right angles! David Chipperfield deliberately designed them to have this unique feel, which Hepworth would surely approve of.

Make a day of it

The Hepworth Wakefield forms part of the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle, along with Leeds Art Gallery, the Henry Moore Institute and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Though it might be a bit ambitious to visit all in one day, a trip to the incredible outdoor offerings of the latter would be a great choice for this autumnal time. Half an hour by car or bus, it’s a chance to put your wellies on and experience sculpture among the sheep and woodland wildlife. What’s more, its restaurant offers unparalleled views across the countryside.

Find out more at hepworthwakefield.org

Going local

Do you live close by – then why not join the local Arts Society? Local Societies include:

Leeds – theartssocietyleeds.org.uk

Huddersfield – theartssociety.org/huddersfield

Halifax – theartssociety.org/halifax

Exciting upcoming events include a lecture on Gilbert and Sullivan and the birth of the English operetta and Helsinki’s history of Art Nouveau design.