Created in 1943, abstract wooden carving marked a breakthrough in ‘genius’ British artist’s career
A rare wooden carving by the renowned abstract sculptor Barbara Hepworth, regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century, has been saved for the nation after a successful appeal to raise £3.8m.
Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red, created in 1943, marked a breakthrough in Hepworth’s career. One of only a handful of wooden carvings made by her during the 1940s, it is one of the first major such works she made using strings.
In private ownership and rarely seen by the public, the carving can now be acquired as part of the UK’s national collection to go on permanent public display at the Hepworth Wakefield, in Hepworth’s home town in West Yorkshire, for the first time since its creation.
The government placed a temporary export ban on the work when it was sold to an anonymous bidder at Christie’s a year ago to prevent it going overseas and allow time for funds to be raised to keep in it the UK.
