The Hepworth Sculpture Garden

Barbara Hepworth was a sculptor living in Cornwall from the 40’s through the 70’s.  She worked in her house near the center of town, best known for flowing organic stoneworks that remind me of Henry Moore.  She died in 1975, but her home has been converted to a museum maintained by a family trust.  The indoor collection is evocative and it’s interesting to see her workshop – no molds to form or copy pieces at all.  She just enjoyed hammering away at raw rock to reveal what she wanted.

 

The real treasure, though, is her outdoor sculpture garden.

She designed it and placed the pieces, bringing in help with the planting and cultivation.  The mature result is a wonderful juxtaposition of plants and stone, each framing the other.  The wandering paths offer peepholes and panoramas, combinations of color and contrasting light that are work I themselves.

I really enjoy sculpture gardens, and along with a huge installation in the Loire each summer, this has to be my favorite.