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Student Artwork Guide

Single Form (Chûn Quoit)

Barbara Hepworth, 1961

Name Class Date
Barbara Hepworth, Single Form (Chûn Quoit) (1961), 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
1961
Medium
Bronze Molten metal poured into a mould made from the artist’s model, then finished and polished by hand.
Original size
106 x 66 cm
Movement
Modernism The broad twentieth-century push to break with tradition and find forms that matched a changed world.
Held at
The Hepworth Wakefield originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/the-hepworth-wakefield-wakefield/
Artistic style
Abstract, Surrealist
Influences
Neolithic tombs
Notable elements
Pierced circular design
Subject or theme
Stone form, landscape

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 Oct. 4, 2026

Single Form (Chûn Quoit) — Barbara Hepworth Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Single Form (Chûn Quoit) — Barbara Hepworth

How big is it?

The original measures 106 × 66 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 58. The artist lived to 72. 86 of the 133 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Barbara Hepworth (1903–1975) ▲ this work, 1961 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-single-form-chun-quoit-D664NR-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Espresso #504c49

    Catalogued palette

    • #504C49
    • #D8D8D8
    • #251F16
    • #383228

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

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Espresso
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Balanced How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Deep_shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Muted 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 Hollow Form with White Interior, 1963 6.5%
    2. 2 Model for, 1947 6.5%
    3. 3 Mother and Child, 1934 5.2%
    4. 4 Itea, 1971 3.9%
    5. 5 The Pond (Two Figures), 1922 3.9%
    6. 6 Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin), 1955 2.6%
    7. 7 River Form, 1965 2.6%
    8. 8 Prototype for, 1962 2.6%
    9. 9 Three Forms 2.6%
    10. 10 Spring, 1966 2.6%
    11. 11 Spring (Arts Council Collection), 1966 2.6%
    12. 12 Barbara Hepworth at work on the plaster for Oval Form (Trezion) (Photo: Val Wilmer), 1963 2.6%
    13. 13 Shaft and Circle, 1972 2.6%
    14. 14 Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin), 1955 1.3%
    15. 15 Three Figures – Project for Sculpture, 1951 1.3%
    16. 16 Delos, 1971 1.3%
    17. 17 Olympus, 1971 1.3%
    18. 18 The Shadow Dance, 1919 1.3%
    19. 19 Pierced Hemisphere I, 1937 1.3%
    20. — Single Form (Chûn Quoit), 1961 this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 54.6% 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 Oct. 4, 2026

    Single Form (Chûn Quoit) — Barbara Hepworth Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Single Form (Chûn Quoit) — Barbara Hepworth

    Single Form (Chûn Quoit): A Meditation on Neolithic Echoes

    Barbara Hepworth’s “Single Form (Chûn Quoit),” crafted in 1961, isn't merely a sculpture; it’s an invitation to contemplate the enduring resonance of ancient ritual and the fundamental geometry of human experience. This remarkable piece, rendered in textured plaster and presented on a subtly shaded wooden base, embodies Hepworth’s signature style – a masterful blend of abstraction and deeply rooted connection to the natural world. The work immediately draws the eye with its deceptively simple form: a broad, gently curving plane punctuated by a single, precisely incised circle. Yet, within this apparent stillness lies a profound complexity, hinting at layers of meaning derived from both the artist’s personal vision and the evocative power of prehistoric sites.

    The title itself offers a crucial key to understanding the sculpture's genesis. “Chûn Quoit” refers to a specific type of Neolithic chamber tomb found in Cornwall – megalithic structures built as sacred spaces, often associated with ancestor veneration and rites of passage. Hepworth’s choice of this name suggests an intentional dialogue between the modern world and the ancient past. The smooth, almost polished surface of the plaster evokes the cool, grey stone of these prehistoric monuments, while the incised circle acts as a visual echo – a subtle reminder of the circularity of life, death, and rebirth, a motif frequently explored in Neolithic art.

    The Sculptor’s Process: A Dialogue with Material

    Hepworth's approach to sculpture was deeply rooted in a tactile engagement with her materials. She rarely worked from detailed drawings or preparatory sketches, preferring instead to begin with a block of stone or wood and allow the form to emerge through a process of intuitive manipulation. “Single Form (Chûn Quoit)” exemplifies this method perfectly. The plaster was likely sculpted directly from a rough block, guided by Hepworth’s sensitivity to its inherent qualities. The subtle variations in texture – the slight undulations, the delicate scoring – are not accidental; they represent the artist's deliberate interaction with the material, imbuing it with her own energy and vision.

    Interestingly, the sculpture was created during a period of intense personal reflection for Hepworth. Following the death of Dag Hammarskjöld, Secretary-General of the United Nations, she sought to create a work that honored his memory while simultaneously exploring themes of human connection and timelessness. The circular incision, mirroring the shape of a tomb entrance, can be interpreted as a symbolic portal – a gateway between the earthly realm and something beyond.

    A Legacy of Form and Space

    “Single Form (Chûn Quoit)” is more than just an object; it’s a carefully considered arrangement of form and space. The sculpture's placement within its environment—whether in a museum, a private collection, or even as part of an interior design scheme—significantly impacts its overall effect. The subtle contrast between the smooth surface of the plaster and the warm tones of the wooden base creates a visual tension that draws the eye inward, inviting contemplation. The work’s inherent simplicity belies its profound emotional resonance, making it a timeless addition to any setting.

    Hepworth's influence extends far beyond her own lifetime. Her pioneering approach to abstraction and her deep respect for the natural world continue to inspire artists today. Reproductions of “Single Form (Chûn Quoit)” offer a remarkable opportunity to bring this powerful work into your home or office, allowing you to experience its beauty and complexity firsthand.

    Technical Details & Historical Context

    The sculpture is crafted from plaster, painted in a muted brown hue, and presented on a walnut base. It measures 106 cm (height) x 66.5 cm (width) x 45 cm (depth). Created in 1961, it’s part of a series of works Hepworth produced during this period, exploring themes of memory, ritual, and the relationship between humanity and the landscape. The work was commissioned as a memorial to Dag Hammarskjöld, Secretary-General of the United Nations, reflecting Hepworth's commitment to social justice and her belief in the importance of human connection.

    Further research reveals that this piece is closely related to another sculpture from the same year, “Single Form (September),” which also features a circular indentation. Both works were created during a period of intense personal reflection for Hepworth following Hammarskjöld’s death and are considered key examples of her mature style.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 4, 2026

    Single Form (Chûn Quoit) — 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 Single Form (Chûn Quoit)

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/barbara-hepworth-single-form-chun-quoit-D664NR-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Hepworth, Barbara. Single Form (Chûn Quoit). 1961, The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-single-form-chun-quoit-D664NR-en/
    APA
    Hepworth, Barbara (1961). Single Form (Chûn Quoit) [Painting]. The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-single-form-chun-quoit-D664NR-en/
    Chicago
    Barbara Hepworth. Single Form (Chûn Quoit). 1961. The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-single-form-chun-quoit-D664NR-en/
    Harvard
    Hepworth, Barbara (1961) Single Form (Chûn Quoit). The Hepworth Wakefield. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-single-form-chun-quoit-D664NR-en/

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 4, 2026

    Single Form (Chûn Quoit) — Barbara Hepworth Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Single Form (Chûn Quoit) — 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: bronze sculpture, abstract form, circular design. 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. Modernism: The broad twentieth-century push to break with tradition and find forms that matched a changed world. Where can you see that in this work?

    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 Oct. 4, 2026

    Single Form (Chûn Quoit) — Barbara Hepworth Part 5 · Look closely

    Art quiz

    Single Form (Chûn Quoit) — 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 primary subject matter depicted in Barbara Hepworth’s ‘Single Form (Chûn Quoit)’?

      • A A detailed portrait of Dag Hammarskjöld
      • B An abstract representation inspired by Neolithic chamber tombs
      • C A landscape scene from Cornwall, England

    2. 2. In what year was ‘Single Form (Chûn Quoit)’ created?

      • A 1933
      • B 1961
      • C 1975

    3. 3. The sculpture ‘Single Form (Chûn Quoit)’ is primarily made from which material?

      • A Wood
      • B Bronze
      • C Marble

    4. 4. What was the inspiration for the circular hole in ‘Single Form (Chûn Quoit)’?

      • A A reference to a specific flower
      • B The shape of a Neolithic chamber tomb (quoit)
      • C An attempt to mimic human anatomy

    5. 5. Barbara Hepworth created ‘Single Form (Chûn Quoit)’ as a memorial for which prominent figure?

      • A Pablo Picasso
      • B Dag Hammarskjöld
      • C Ben Nicholson

    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.

    1B · 2B · 3B · 4B · 5B

    Check any answer against the catalogue record for this painting

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 4, 2026

    Single Form (Chûn Quoit) — Barbara Hepworth Part 6 · Art quiz

    Questions & Answers

    Is Barbara Hepworth, creator of "Single Form (Chûn Quoit)", known under other names?

    Barbara Hepworth is also known as Dame Barbara Hepworth.

    In what year was "Single Form (Chûn Quoit)" by Barbara Hepworth created?

    The creation of "Single Form (Chûn Quoit)" by Barbara Hepworth is dated 1961.

    How can "Single Form (Chûn Quoit)" by Barbara Hepworth be used in home decor?

    Use (reflective) and space (living room) are the two recommendations recorded for "Single Form (Chûn Quoit)" by Barbara Hepworth.