the babara hepworth museum and sculpture garden

‘Finding Trewyn Studio was a sort of magic… here was a studio, a yard and garden where I could work in open air and space.’

Barbara Hepworth moved to Cornwall with her husband Ben Nicholson in 1939. She lived and worked at Trenwyn Studio (now the museum and sculpture garden) from 1949 until her death in 1975. It was here that she became one of the most important and prolific artists of the twentieth century, producing carved sculptures in bronze, stone and wood. 

When I think about St Ives, I hear the lapping of the waves and the squawking of seagulls, occasionally punctuated by boat engines or the booming voices of those selling sightseeing trips. Five minutes from the busy harbour, through the winding, cobbled streets; is the museum and sculpture garden, an oasis of calm in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the town. 

The house displays Hepworth's art collection, including sculptures in wood and bronze, as well as paintings by her contemporaries, including Nicholson. As you would expect the space is airy and light, with the white walls and wooden floors creating a simple backdrop to her treasured possessions and artwork. 

But, it's the outside space that captures my imagination. Her studio is delightful, perched high above the garden. It is filled to the brim with stone, partial carvings, workwear and tools. It looks like a busy, productive place, just as she would have left it. Dotted around the compact garden are Hepworth's sculptures, each one showing the indisputable touch of her hand, softened by bamboo, trees and foliage. 

This is one of my favourite outdoor spaces, a perfect place to while away an hour or two, soaking up all of the beauty in the most tranquil of settings. 

Joining in with Annie.