Student Artwork Guide

Name Class Date

Barbara Hepworth, Two Forms (1937), 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: 1937
Medium: Sculpture Bronze Molten metal poured into a mould made from the artist’s model, then finished and polished by hand.
Movement: Modern Sculpture
Held at: The Hepworth Wakefield originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/the-hepworth-wakefield-wakefield/
Artistic style: Modern Sculpture
Influences: Surrealism
Notable elements or techniques: Curved Shape
Subject or theme: Abstract Form

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.

Two Forms — Barbara Hepworth

When was this painted?

first works
late works

1900
1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970

06
716
1726
2736
3746
4756
5766
6772

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 34. The artist lived to 72. 20 of the 133 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Barbara Hepworth (1903–1975) ▲ this work, 1937 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

Three Forms originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-three-forms-D3UBLW-en/
Award board at Wakefield Girls School, 1920, 1920 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-award-board-at-wakefield-girls-school-1920-D663MY-en/
Single Form (Chûn Quoit), 1961 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-single-form-chun-quoit-D664NR-en/

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-two-forms-D6654M-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

Main colour

Gray #919192

Catalogued palette

#919192
#75726D
#373128
#C5C5C9

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: Gray
Intensity: Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
Contrast: Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
Harmony: Balanced Harmony How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
Brightness: Bright 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 China 81.4%
2 Singapore 6.8%
3 United Kingdom 5.1%
4 Germany 3.4%
5 India 1.7%
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 Model for, 1947 7.7%
2 Itea, 1971 4.6%
3 Mother and Child, 1934 4.6%
4 Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin), 1955 3.1%
5 River Form, 1965 3.1%
6 Prototype for, 1962 3.1%
7 The Pond (Two Figures), 1922 3.1%
8 Spring (Arts Council Collection), 1966 3.1%
9 Barbara Hepworth at work on the plaster for Oval Form (Trezion) (Photo: Val Wilmer), 1963 3.1%
10 Shaft and Circle, 1972 3.1%
11 Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin), 1955 1.5%
12 Delos, 1971 1.5%
13 Hollow Form with White Interior, 1963 1.5%
14 Olympus, 1971 1.5%
15 The Shadow Dance, 1919 1.5%
16 Pierced Hemisphere I, 1937 1.5%
17 Desert Forms, 1971 1.5%
18 Disc with Strings (Moon), 1969 1.5%
19 Two Piece Marble (Rangatira), 1968 1.5%
— Two Forms, 1937 this painting 0.0%

Together these works take 52.1% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 150 works by this artist, of which 50 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.

Two Forms — Barbara Hepworth

Barbara Hepworth’s “Two Forms”: A Testament to Minimalism and Organic Geometry

Barbara Hepworth (1903 – 1975), a British sculptor whose career spanned decades of artistic innovation, remains an enduring figure in the history of modern art. Her work embodies a profound exploration of form and space, prioritizing simplicity and conveying a deep connection to the natural world—qualities powerfully realized in “Two Forms,” created in 1937.

The sculpture itself is deceptively straightforward. Constructed from concrete – a material Hepworth favored for its solidity and ability to capture subtle tonal variations – it presents two interlocking forms that ascend vertically, separated by a shallow concave curve. These shapes aren’t representational; they eschew recognizable imagery in favor of pure geometric abstraction. Instead, Hepworth sought to distill the essence of form itself, mirroring the principles championed by the Unit One movement she co-founded alongside fellow artists Ben Nicholson and Paul Nash.

Hepworth's approach aligns closely with the broader aesthetic currents of the time. The Unit One group rejected academic conventions and embraced a radical simplification of artistic expression, influenced heavily by Surrealism’s exploration of subconscious imagery and Dada’s rejection of traditional artistic hierarchies. However, unlike Surrealists who often employed dreamlike juxtapositions, Hepworth focused on achieving visual harmony through precise geometric relationships—a deliberate counterpoint to the prevailing anxieties surrounding societal upheaval.

The curve between the two forms is particularly significant. It isn't merely a structural element; it embodies an organic principle – mirroring the contours of rock formations and suggesting a dynamic interplay between opposing forces. Hepworth herself described her sculptures as “attempts to capture the feeling of stone,” reflecting her fascination with geological textures and shapes. This sensitivity to natural forms distinguishes “Two Forms” from purely intellectual exercises in abstraction.

“Two Forms” continues to resonate today, serving as a cornerstone of minimalist sculpture and demonstrating Hepworth’s unwavering commitment to exploring fundamental visual concepts. Its quiet elegance speaks volumes about the artist's belief that beauty resides in restraint and that art can communicate profound emotional truths without resorting to overt symbolism.

Material: Concrete

Dimensions: Unknown (likely relatively small)

Location: Currently housed in a private collection.

This piece exemplifies Hepworth’s pioneering contribution to modern sculpture and its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke contemplation and appreciation for the beauty of geometric abstraction.

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

The artist Barbara Hepworth originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/barbara-hepworth/
The museum The Hepworth Wakefield originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/the-hepworth-wakefield-wakefield/
Similar works More works to compare originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/barbara-hepworth-two-forms-D6654M-en/
Article Kandinsky's Masterpieces: 25 Paintings That Define Abstract Art originaluniqueart.com/en/articles/kandinsky-s-masterpieces-25-paintings-that-define-abstract-art-en/
Article Abstract Expressionism's 10 Defining Masterpieces originaluniqueart.com/en/articles/abstract-expressionism-s-10-defining-masterpieces-en/
Article Geometric Abstraction's 10 Defining Masterpieces originaluniqueart.com/en/articles/geometric-abstraction-s-10-defining-masterpieces-art-for-your-home-en/
Article Bronze Sculptures That Defined Art History originaluniqueart.com/en/articles/bronze-sculptures-that-defined-art-history-en/

Find this online

QR code linking to the download page for Two Forms

originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/barbara-hepworth-two-forms-D6654M-en/

Cite this artwork

MLA: Hepworth, Barbara. Two Forms. 1937, The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-two-forms-D6654M-en/
APA: Hepworth, Barbara (1937). Two Forms [Painting]. The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-two-forms-D6654M-en/
Chicago: Barbara Hepworth. Two Forms. 1937. The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-two-forms-D6654M-en/
Harvard: Hepworth, Barbara (1937) Two Forms. The Hepworth Wakefield. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-two-forms-D6654M-en/

Two Forms — Barbara Hepworth

Look closely

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

What catches your eye first, and why?
Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
Our catalogue files this work under: sculpture, concrete, abstraction. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
Look back at Three Forms, earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
Barbara Hepworth was about 34 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.

Two Forms — 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. What artistic movement is Dame Barbara Hepworth associated with?
- A Cubism
- B Impressionism
- C Abstraction-Création
2. In what year was the sculpture 'Two Forms' created?
- A 1924
- B 1937
- C 1950
3. What material is Dame Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture ‘Two Forms’ primarily composed of?
- A Marble
- B Clay
- C Concrete
4. Where can you find a notable piece by Dame Barbara Hepworth?
- A The Louvre Museum
- B The British Museum
- C The Kimbell Art Museum
5. What is the overall aesthetic style of ‘Two Forms’?
- A Realistic Representation
- B Detailed Portraiture
- C Abstract Sculpture

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.

1C · 2C · 3C · 4C · 5C

Check any answer against the catalogue record for this painting

Questions & Answers

Which museum holds the original "Two Forms"?

"Two Forms" by Barbara Hepworth is on display at The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield, United Kingdom. The museum listing refers to the original work, not to reproductions.

How do I download the image of "Two Forms" by Barbara Hepworth?

The image of "Two Forms" by Barbara Hepworth can be downloaded from the artwork's Download page: a high-resolution digital image download.

Is "Two Forms" by Barbara Hepworth a light or a dark artwork?

"Two Forms" is bright overall, and its luminance is gentle luminance.

Where does "Two Forms" fall in Barbara Hepworth's career?

"Two Forms" belongs to the Mature Period of Barbara Hepworth's career. This classification relates the work to the artist's development.

At what age did Barbara Hepworth make "Two Forms"?

When "Two Forms" was created in 1937, Barbara Hepworth - born in 1903 - was 34 years old.

What is "Two Forms" about?

The subjects of "Two Forms" are sculpture, concrete, abstraction, form, british art, hepworth, modernism.

What palette and what feeling does "Two Forms" combine?

"Two Forms" by Barbara Hepworth combines an earthy palette with a reflective tone.

What is the creation date of "Two Forms" by Barbara Hepworth?

"Two Forms" by Barbara Hepworth was created in 1937.