Barbara Hepworth

Gimpel Fils, London
McCrory Corporation, New York (acquired from the above in July 1969)
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Alan Bowness, The Complete Sculpture of Barbara Hepworth 1960-69, London, 1971, no. 471, illustrated pl. 198

 

 

The surface of the teak is smooth and clean. There are a few tiny nicks to the edges at the lower quarter of the sculpture, but otherwise this work is in very good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This beautiful form, carved from teak, was initially made as an interior piece for a wooden sculpture entitled Hollow Form (Bowness, no. 330).  The outer casing of that sculpture was destroyed in 1971, and the present work remains as a stand-alone work of art. 

In 1968, Hepworth made a bronze edition of her original wooden Hollow Form, known as Hollow Form with Inner Form (no. 469).    She also cast the present work in a bronze edition, entitled Single Form (Aloe) (no. 482).  The casting of Hepworth's sculptures in bronze was customary for those individual pieces that she created from natural materials, such as wood and marble.   Single Form, which bears the elegant wood grain pattern and deep golden shade that is characteristic of  teak, is an entirely unique sculpture and embodies the grace and sophistication of Hepworth's original conception.