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Notes
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'Contrapuntal Forms' has been described as a 'monumental group of abstract sculpture symbolising the spirit of discovery'. The sculpture was commissioned by the Arts Council for the 1951 Festival of Britain on London's South Bank. It was hand-carved by Hepworth and stood high on a plinth between the Dome of Discovery and the Transport Pavilion. The sculpture was acquired by Harlow Development Corporation, along with three murals, when the artworks were distributed after the festival had ended. Hepworth was insistent that this work have a civic setting but agreed to it being temporarily placed in a completed environment. The novel concept of having sculpture in an urban landscape was taken up with the formation of Harlow Art Trust and the subsequent acquisition of Harlow’s sculpture collection.
BH 165 in the artist's catalogue raisonné.
During 2021–2022, the work was temporarily removed from its location to undergo restoration work and display at Hepworth Wakefield.
Title
Contrapuntal Forms
Medium
Irish Blue limestone
Measurements
H 305 x W 122 x D 91.5 cm
Accession number
CM20_TJ_S014
Acquisition method
commissioned by the Arts Council for the Festival of Britain South Bank, 1951
Work type
Sculpture
Owner
Harlow Art Trust
Custodian
Harlow Art Trust
Work status
extant
Listing status
Grade II* (England and Wales)
Unveiling date
1951
Listing date
15/04/98
Access
at all times
Glebelands, Harlow
CM20 2PE
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Barbara Hepworth in 1949. © Barbara Hepworth / Bowness. Image credit: Hans Wild (courtesy Bowness)
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Barbara Hepworth with the plaster of 'Figure for Landscape' and bronze cast of 'Figure (Archaean)'. © Bowness. Image credit: Lucien Myers
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Barbara Hepworth in her carving yard. 1960, photograph by unknown artist. Image credit: Bowness
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