The Hepworth, Wakefield - a Runaway Success in just 4 Years, Picture of the Week, 13.7.15

The award winning Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield opened in May 2011. As well as highlighting a collection of wonderful work by Yorkshire sculptor Barbara Hepworth, it took over the collection formerly housed in the Wakefield City Art Gallery.

The award winning building is beautifully situated on a weir on the River Calder.

Despite opening before the recession ended, visitor numbers have exceeded all expectations. The original modest hope was for up to 150,000 visitors per year, this number was achieved in the first eight weeks after opening. Even though numbers reduced slightly after the initial enthusiasm, the Hepworth greeted their one millionth visitor, a delighted Australian woman, after just two and a half years, in December 2013.

I make no apology for plugging this lovely gallery. There is no comparable place named after a woman artist that I know of and anyone who is interested in modern art or architecture shouldn't miss it. Visitors from further afield could even make an art holiday out of their visit. The Hepworth's proximity to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park has led to the formation of the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle, helping the Hepworth's popularity. The third point in the triangle is Leeds Art Gallery and its conjoined twin the Henry Moor Institute. Four fantastic galleries and, apart from special exhibitions, entry for everyone is free!

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http://www.ysculpture.co.uk/

http://ripassetseu.s3.amazonaws.com/www.hepworthwakefield.org/_files/documents/dec_13/FENT__1386266814_Press_Release_-_5_Dec_-_The_He.pdf