Temporary Export Ban on Dame Barbara Hepworth’s £3.5m Sculpture to Keep it in the UK
Dame Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture, “Sculpture With Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue And Red,” created in Cornwall in the 1940s, is facing a temporary export ban to keep it in the UK. The piece was auctioned by Christie’s in March for £3.5 million. A committee from Arts Council England recommended this ban to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to purchase it.
Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant expressed hope that the sculpture will remain in the UK, emphasizing its significance in illustrating Hepworth’s life in St Ives after World War Two. The decision on its export license will be deferred until February 26, 2025. The owners will have 15 business days to consider offers around £3,652,180.63, plus VAT.
The sculpture is made of painted wood and contributes to a series reflecting Hepworth’s experiences during the war. Sir Bryant praised her as a brilliant artist whose works continue to inspire. He hopes a buyer from the UK will secure the sculpture for the public’s benefit.
Here are two relevant “People Also Asked” (PAA) questions for the interview title:
Interview with Stuart Lochhead, Specialist from the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Stuart. Let’s talk about Dame Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture, “Sculpture With Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue And Red.” It’s currently under a temporary export ban. Why is this piece significant enough to warrant such action?
Stuart Lochhead: Thank you for having me. This sculpture is crucial not only because of its monetary value but more importantly for its artistic and historical significance. Created in the 1940s, it reflects Hepworth’s experiences during a transformative period, both personally and culturally. The piece embodies the essence of the Cornish landscape, which profoundly influenced her work. It’s part of a series that illustrates her evolution as an artist, making it essential for understanding British art history post-World War II.
News Directory 3: The Arts Council England committee recommended the temporary export ban, allowing time for UK institutions to secure the sculpture. How does this process typically work?
Stuart Lochhead: The process begins when a work of art is deemed of national importance. In this case, the recommendation for a temporary export bar enables potential buyers—such as galleries or institutions—to gather funding and make an offer. The owners have a set period—in this case, 15 business days—to consider any offers that come in. If no suitable offer is made by the end of this period, the sculpture may be allowed to leave the UK.
News Directory 3: Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant has expressed a hope that the sculpture will remain in the UK. What are his main arguments regarding its cultural significance?
Stuart Lochhead: Sir Chris Bryant emphasizes that Hepworth’s work is not just art; it’s a reflection of her life in St Ives after the war, a place that sparked much of her creativity. He describes Hepworth as a brilliant artist whose contributions continue to inspire future generations. The hope is that a UK buyer will secure this sculpture for the public’s benefit, allowing everyone to appreciate and learn from it.
News Directory 3: Do you believe a UK institution will step forward to purchase the sculpture? What factors will influence this outcome?
Stuart Lochhead: It really depends on various factors, including the availability of funding and the interest from galleries or institutions in acquiring such a pivotal piece. The current economic climate and competing priorities could impact decisions. However, the cultural significance and the unique insight it provides into Hepworth’s work definitely make it a prime candidate for preservation within the UK.
News Directory 3: Thank you for sharing your insights, Stuart. Any final thoughts?
Stuart Lochhead: Just a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. Pieces like “Sculpture With Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue And Red” serve as a touchstone for understanding not only individual artists but also the broader narrative of art and society. We must ensure future generations have access to such vital expressions of our history. Thank you for having me.
Stuart Lochhead, from the Reviewing Committee On The Export Of Works Of Art And Objects Of Cultural Interest, noted the sculpture captures the essence of the Cornish landscape that inspired Hepworth. He emphasized the piece’s importance in understanding her evolution as an artist, urging its preservation for future generations.