When Will Barbara Hepworth Break Out?

According to Artnet’s price database, three out of the four Barbara Hepworth sculptures offered in New York in the last two weeks sold for a total of $1.15m. Although none of the works were major, the Hepworth market has been bubbling along with the growing taste for sculpture and interest in both overlooked Modernist names and, of course, under-rated women artists. Hepworth also has a the support of a well-run museum and foundation and an upcoming retrospective at the Tate in London.

Colin Gleadell zeroes in on the story:

With the major Barbara Hepworth exhibition at Tate Britain due to open soon, galleries will be looking to capitalise on the event. Few are better placed than the New Art Centre in Salisbury which represents the artist’s estate. This Saturday, it opens a fascinating display which explores Hepworth’s relationship with music, dance, and theatre. Drawing on material which is in the estate, the display illustrates her involvement in the Old Vic’s 1951 production of Sophocles’ Electra, and the campaign to rebuild the Globe Theatre on the Southbank. The only work for sale, though, will be the bronze Sphere, originally commissioned by Sam Wanamaker who was heading the Globe reconstruction project, and cast later, in 1973. Priced in region of £180,000, it will be the centrepiece of the exhibition.

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