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Notes

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‘Monolith-Empyrean’ is a nine-foot-tall, abstract sculpture made of blue Corrib limestone.

In Hepworth’s own words, ‘the rising forms spring from the bridged, pierced hollow which could be the bridge between the body and the mind seeking comprehension…The monolith is a monument to those who seek their freedom in the upper air even though it involves fire and falling earthwards.’

Some have suggested that the work commemorates the death of Hepworth’s son, Paul Skeaping, who was killed while serving in the RAF in Malaya in 1953.

The sculpture originally stood on the South Bank outside the Royal Festival Hall. It was moved to the grounds of Kenwood in 1963.

English Heritage, Kenwood

London

Title

Monolith-Empyrean

Date

1953

Medium

limestone

Measurements

H 268 x W 77.5 x D 46 cm

Accession number

88031437

Acquisition method

transferred to Kenwood, 1963

Work type

Sculpture

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Normally on display at

English Heritage, Kenwood

Hampstead Lane, London, Greater London NW3 7JR England

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