This was a gorgeous exhibition, especially when accompanied by two lovely ladies -Ange and Sam, take a bow!
There were so many pieces that could be discussed here, but the relationship with and influence of Ben Nicholson stood out for me.
The influence these two artists had on each other was most obvious with these pieces: Hepworth’s ‘Two Heads’ of 1932 and Nicholson’s linocut, ‘Profiles’, of the same year.
Not entirely sure why this resonated with me, but it was quite wonderful to see the connections. The simplistic echo of the way on which the facial fratures were carved into stone, just as they were carved in the linocut was sublime.
The other two connected pieces were Kneeling Woman and Nicholson’s Venetian Red and the repetition of the profile between the two. 
The other rooms were equally impressive. The room with the guarea wood carvings were exquisite. The fact that she risked opening them up was quite thrilling. One false move and …disaster. The way in which some of them were painted to create shadow was quite wonderful and the wood itself was so beautifully warm that it was so difficult to resit running your hand over the surface.
One criticism I have is echoed in the Guardian review. So many pieces were under glass and they almost vibrated in their need to be touched and to be in the open air, which was so frustrating. It’s understandable, but when you can’t see the pattern of the wood because the glass is too reflective, that is quite an oversight.
There is definitely a trip to St Ives on the cards now!
LINKS:
http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/barbara-hepworth-sculpture-modern-world
