A sculpture created by the iconic artist Dame Barbara Hepworth, titled Sculpture With Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red, has been granted a temporary export ban to prevent it from leaving the UK. The piece, which was crafted during the 1940s at her studio in Cornwall, had recently been auctioned by Christie’s for £3.5 million, sparking discussions about its cultural significance and the need to retain it within British borders.
The recommendation for the export bar was made by a committee functioning under Arts Council England (ACE). This decision aims to provide time for galleries or institutions within the UK to gather the necessary funds to acquire the sculpture. Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant expressed his hope for the work’s permanent stay, emphasizing the insight it offers about Hepworth's life during her time in St Ives following the outbreak of World War II.
A pivotal decision on the application for the export license is set to be deferred until February 26, 2025. After this date, the owners of the sculpture will have 15 business days to respond to any offers made for the piece, which has been valued at £3,652,180.63, plus VAT.
Dame Barbara Hepworth, often celebrated for her contributions to modernist sculpture, created the piece using painted wood, which holds creative ties to her experiences and surroundings. It’s part of Hepworth’s broader collection of works developed during her time in St Ives, where she relocated with her family to escape wartime London. Sir Bryant reflected on Hepworth's genius, stating, "Dame Barbara Hepworth was a phenomenal artistic genius who will continue to inspire future generations with her unique genre-defining sculptures which remain as powerful and engaging now as during her lifetime."
He added, "Hepworth was influenced by her surroundings and this sculpture is a beautiful insight... I hope a UK buyer can be found for this sculpture so the British public can continue to learn and engage with one of our most important artists for generations to come."
The sculpture’s relevance is heightened by its embodiment of the natural beauty surrounding Hepworth, capturing the essence of the Cornish sky and coastline. Stuart Lochhead, from the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, highlighted its importance, stating, "Sculpture With Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red embodies the Cornish sky, sea and rugged coastline in which she lived and which influenced her so deeply."
Lochhead noted the piece as part of "one of only a handful of stringed and coloured sculptures she produced during this period," marking it as significant to the evolution of Hepworth's artistic practices. This piece serves as a bridge between her pre-war and post-war artistic developments, making it not just visually stunning, but also rich with historical and cultural importance.
Hepworth is already regarded as one of Britain’s most significant artists, and the bid to keep her work within the UK underlines the broader cultural emphasis on preserving national heritage. While the art community hopes for the sculpture to find its permanent home within the UK, there remains the looming question of whether sufficient funding can be mobilized to secure the piece before the deadline imposed by the proposed export ban.
For now, anticipation lingers as arts enthusiasts and institutions alike prepare to either put forth bids, or rally support to keep Hepworth’s remarkable creation—a window to the artist’s transformed life during tumultuous times—where it rightfully belongs.
