Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Construction I

Barbara Hepworth, 1965

Name Class Date
Barbara Hepworth, Construction I (1965), The Hepworth Wakefield. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Barbara Hepworth originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/barbara-hepworth/
Artist’s dates
1903 – 1975
Painted
1965
Medium
Acrylic On Canvas
Original size
88 x 101 cm
Movement
Modern Sculpture
Held at
The Hepworth Wakefield originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/the-hepworth-wakefield-wakefield/
Artistic style
Abstract Sculpture
Influences
Surrealism
Notable elements or techniques
Geometric abstraction
Subject or theme
Form and Space

Copyright This work is still under copyright. Barbara Hepworth died in 1975; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2045. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 28, 2026

Construction I — Barbara Hepworth Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Construction I — Barbara Hepworth

How big is it?

The original measures 88 × 101 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1900
  2. 1910
  3. 1920
  4. 1930
  5. 1940
  6. 1950
  7. 1960
  8. 1970

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 72 at death.

Painted when the artist was 62. The artist lived to 72. 99 of the 133 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Barbara Hepworth (1903–1975) ▲ this work, 1965 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1947 Main working years: 1947–1965 Late works: from 1965

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/barbara-hepworth-construction-i-D664QF-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Steel Blue #74b7c1

    Catalogued palette

    • #74B7C1
    • #DFD9BF
    • #B19A76
    • #0C97B5

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Neutrals The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Steel Blue
    Intensity
    Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Serene How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Softly Mixed Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Barbara Hepworth over the last twelve months — 6 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 81.4%
    2. 2 Singapore 6.8%
    3. 3 United Kingdom 5.1%
    4. 4 Germany 3.4%
    5. 5 India 1.7%
    6. 6 United States of America 1.7%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Barbara Hepworth

    1. 1 Model for, 1947 6.8%
    2. 2 Itea, 1971 4.1%
    3. 3 Hollow Form with White Interior, 1963 4.1%
    4. 4 The Pond (Two Figures), 1922 4.1%
    5. 5 Mother and Child, 1934 4.1%
    6. 6 Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin), 1955 2.7%
    7. 7 River Form, 1965 2.7%
    8. 8 Prototype for, 1962 2.7%
    9. 9 Three Forms 2.7%
    10. 10 Spring, 1966 2.7%
    11. 11 Spring (Arts Council Collection), 1966 2.7%
    12. 12 Barbara Hepworth at work on the plaster for Oval Form (Trezion) (Photo: Val Wilmer), 1963 2.7%
    13. 13 Shaft and Circle, 1972 2.7%
    14. 14 Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin), 1955 1.4%
    15. 15 Three Figures – Project for Sculpture, 1951 1.4%
    16. 16 Delos, 1971 1.4%
    17. 17 Olympus, 1971 1.4%
    18. 18 The Shadow Dance, 1919 1.4%
    19. 19 Pierced Hemisphere I, 1937 1.4%
    20. — Construction I, 1965 this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 53.2% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 150 works by this artist, of which 54 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 28, 2026

    Construction I — Barbara Hepworth Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Construction I — Barbara Hepworth

    Construction I: A Sculptural Echo of Minimalism

    Barbara Hepworth’s “Construction I,” created in 1965, stands as a testament to the enduring influence of geometric abstraction and the profound exploration of form and space that characterized Hepworth's artistic vision. Executed on gesso-prepared board with oil paint, this piece embodies the core tenets of Hepworth’s distinctive style – a deliberate simplification of visual elements aimed at conveying emotional resonance rather than representational accuracy.

    Hepworth’s approach to sculpture during this period leaned heavily towards minimalist principles. Rejecting traditional figurative art, she sought to distill artistic expression into its purest essence: elemental shapes interacting with each other in relation to the surrounding environment. “Construction I” exemplifies this ethos perfectly; it presents a single, dominant circular form punctuated by smaller, intersecting planes of pigment.

    The painting’s palette is restrained yet impactful—primarily shades of blue and yellow—creating a harmonious interplay of color that draws attention to the central circle. The subtle variations in hue contribute to a sense of depth and luminosity, mirroring Hepworth's fascination with capturing light and shadow as crucial components of sculptural form.

    Material: Gesso-prepared board, Oil Paint

    Dimensions: 88.3 x 101 cm

    Style: Geometric Abstraction

    Artist: Barbara Hepworth (1903–1975)

    Hepworth’s artistic journey began in Wakefield, Yorkshire, where she honed her skills at Leeds School of Art before securing a prestigious scholarship to the Royal College of Art. Her collaborative efforts with fellow artists like Ben Nicholson and Paul Nash solidified her position as a pioneer of British abstraction.

    "Construction I" resonates deeply with viewers due to its ability to evoke feelings of serenity and contemplation. The circular form, reminiscent of ancient symbols representing wholeness and unity, invites introspection—a reflection on the relationship between individual elements and their collective impact. It’s a piece that speaks volumes about Hepworth's commitment to conveying emotion through carefully considered visual language.

    This artwork is currently housed in The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art, offering visitors an opportunity to experience firsthand the beauty and intellectual depth of Hepworth’s groundbreaking contribution to twentieth-century art. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity—a masterful demonstration of how profound artistic expression can emerge from seemingly minimal means.

    Further exploration into Hepworth's oeuvre reveals a prolific artist who consistently pushed boundaries, experimenting with diverse materials and techniques while maintaining an unwavering focus on exploring the fundamental principles of form and space. “Construction I” remains a cornerstone of her legacy—a captivating example of modernist sculpture translated into a powerfully evocative painting.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 28, 2026

    Construction I — Barbara Hepworth Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Barbara Hepworth

    Born in Wakefield, United Kingdom

    early life and education

    dame barbara hepworth, a renowned english artist and sculptor, was born on january 10, 1903, in wakefield, yorkshire. she attended the leeds school of art from 1920 and later won a county scholarship to study at the royal college of art (rca) in london from 1921 until she was awarded the diploma in 1924.

    artistic career

    dame barbara hepworth's work exemplifies modernism, particularly modern sculpture. she was one of the few female artists to achieve international prominence.

    in 1933, she co-founded the unit one art movement with ben nicholson, paul nash, and others, seeking to unite surrealism and abstraction in british art.

    hepworth's early work was characterized by abstraction and her involvement with the paris-based art movement, abstraction-création.

    notable works and exhibitions

    oval form (trezion), a bronze sculpture, is part of the kimbell art museum collection in fort worth, united states. (view on AllPaintingsStore)

    two forms, a sculpture, is exhibited at the hepworth wakefield in wakefield, united kingdom. (view on AllPaintingsStore)

    totem, a marble sculpture, is also part of the collection at the hepworth wakefield. (view on AllPaintingsStore)

    legacy and museum collections

    barbara hepworth's work is widely recognized, with her sculptures and paintings forming part of various museum collections worldwide. the hepworth wakefield, named after the artist, houses numerous masterpieces from renowned artists, including hepworth's own works. (discover more about the hepworth wakefield on AllPaintingsStore)

    conclusion

    dame barbara hepworth's pioneering work in modern british sculpture has left an indelible mark on the art world. her legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, with her works remaining a testament to her innovative spirit and artistic genius. more about barbara hepworth on wikipedia

    Museum

    The Hepworth Wakefield

    On show in Wakefield, United Kingdom

    The Hepworth Wakefield: A Sanctuary of Sculpture and Light

    Located on the south side of the River Calder in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, The Hepworth Wakefield is more than just a gallery; it’s an architectural statement and a testament to Barbara Hepworth's legacy—a celebration of British modernist art that continues to inspire visitors today. Opened in 2011 by David Chipperfield Architects, this building embodies the spirit of its namesake: simplicity, elegance, and a profound connection with the surrounding landscape.

    Architectural Marvel:

    Designed by David Chipperfield, the gallery’s ten trapezoidal blocks are clad in pigmented concrete—a groundbreaking material choice that reflects Wakefield's industrial heritage while embracing a strikingly modern aesthetic.

    Hepworth Legacy:

    The collection houses over 400 sculptures and drawings by Barbara Hepworth, showcasing her pioneering approach to form, space, and material – from early figurative works to increasingly abstract explorations of the human figure.

    Diverse Artistic Voices:

    Beyond Hepworth’s contributions, The Hepworth Wakefield champions a rich tapestry of British modern and contemporary artists including Henry Moore, Helen Chadwick, and David Hockney, fostering dialogue between masters and emerging talent.

    A History Rooted in Tradition

    The gallery's origins lie in Wakefield Art Gallery, established in 1923 as a local cultural institution—a space dedicated to nurturing artistic appreciation within the community. However, it was the ambitious vision to create a purpose-built venue worthy of honoring Hepworth’s influence and furthering British sculpture that propelled its transformation into The Hepworth Wakefield.

    Early Years:

    Wakefield Art Gallery initially focused on displaying works by European masters alongside regional artists.

    The Prize Initiative:

    Launched in 2015, the Hepworth Prize for Sculpture provides a crucial platform for supporting emerging sculptural talent and bolstering British artistic innovation.

    Recognition & Awards:

    The gallery’s architectural brilliance was acknowledged with the UK's Museum of the Year Award in 2017—a testament to its commitment to excellence and engagement with visitors.

    Exploring Contemporary Art Through Sculpture

    The Hepworth Wakefield distinguishes itself through its unwavering dedication to showcasing contemporary art, particularly sculpture. Its curators strive to present exhibitions that challenge perceptions and ignite intellectual curiosity – fostering a deeper understanding of artistic expression and its role in shaping our cultural landscape.

    Recent Exhibitions:

    Highlights include retrospectives dedicated to artists like Helen Chadwick, offering fresh perspectives on groundbreaking work, and explorations of diverse artistic mediums.

    Community Engagement:

    Workshops, educational programs, and events extend The Hepworth Wakefield’s reach beyond its galleries—connecting with local audiences and promoting artistic literacy.

    A Unique Destination:

    Combining architectural grandeur with a vibrant artistic program, The Hepworth Wakefield provides an immersive experience for art lovers seeking inspiration and fostering appreciation for British heritage.

    Beyond Walls: A Celebration of Sculpture’s Influence

    The Hepworth Wakefield's ethos transcends mere display; it embodies a belief in sculpture’s ability to communicate emotion, provoke thought, and enrich our understanding of the world around us. Its commitment to supporting emerging artists ensures that British sculpture continues to evolve—inspiring future generations of creatives and enriching cultural discourse.

    The Tim Sayer Bequest:

    The gallery acquired Hepworth’s Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red (1943)—a monumental artwork previously sold at auction—thanks to a generous bequest from Tim Sayer, bolstering its collection of celebrated British artists.

    Ongoing Research & Collaboration:

    Partnerships with institutions like the Art Fund underscore The Hepworth Wakefield’s dedication to advancing artistic scholarship and fostering dialogue between art and society.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Construction I

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/barbara-hepworth-construction-i-D664QF-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Hepworth, Barbara. Construction I. 1965, The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-construction-i-D664QF-en/
    APA
    Hepworth, Barbara (1965). Construction I [Painting]. The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-construction-i-D664QF-en/
    Chicago
    Barbara Hepworth. Construction I. 1965. The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-construction-i-D664QF-en/
    Harvard
    Hepworth, Barbara (1965) Construction I. The Hepworth Wakefield. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-construction-i-D664QF-en/

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 28, 2026

    Construction I — Barbara Hepworth Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Construction I — Barbara Hepworth

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: british art, sculpture, geometric forms. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Three Forms, earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Barbara Hepworth was about 62 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 28, 2026

    Construction I — Barbara Hepworth Part 5 · Look closely

    Art quiz

    Construction I — Barbara Hepworth

    How well do you know this artwork?

    Tick one answer for each of the 5 questions below. Each has exactly one correct answer.

    1. 1. What is the predominant color scheme of ‘Construction I’?

      • A Red and Orange
      • B Blue and Yellow
      • C Green and Brown

    2. 2. Barbara Hepworth was a prominent figure in which artistic movement?

      • A Impressionism
      • B Cubism
      • C Modernism

    3. 3. The sculpture’s geometric form is characteristic of what artistic style?

      • A Renaissance Art
      • B Romantic Art
      • C Abstract Expressionism

    4. 4. In what year was ‘Construction I’ created?

      • A 1930
      • B 1945
      • C 1965

    5. 5. Where can you find a reproduction of ‘Construction I’?

      • A The Louvre Museum
      • B The Metropolitan Museum of Art
      • C The Kimbell Art Museum

    My score: ____ out of 5

    Answer key — for the teacher

    This starts a fresh printed page, so it can simply be left out of the copies.

    1A · 2B · 3A · 4C · 5C

    Check any answer against the catalogue record for this painting

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 28, 2026

    Construction I — Barbara Hepworth Part 6 · Art quiz

    Questions & Answers

    How old was Barbara Hepworth when creating "Construction I" in 1965?

    Barbara Hepworth was 62 years old when creating "Construction I" in 1965. The age is computed from the artist's birth year, 1903.

    Where do the visitors of "Construction I" by Barbara Hepworth come from?

    A Stats page exists for "Construction I". It charts the monthly visits of the artwork and of the artist's other works, with country and language breakdowns.

    What mood does "Construction I" by Barbara Hepworth express within Modern Sculpture?

    Within the Modern Sculpture movement, "Construction I" is recorded with a reflective tone.