Dame Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975)

Discussing this sculpture, Sophie Bowness comments, 'Miniature Divided Circle relates back to the major bronze Two Forms (Divided Circle) of 1969 (BH 477) while being an independent work in itself. Hepworth believed that size made an 'absolute difference in treatment and colour', maquettes being for the hands and large ones were to be walked around. The large-scale Divided Circle reverses the relationship of polished and patinated bronze, with the internal surfaces polished and the outer forms patinated green' (S. Bowness (ed.), Barbara Hepworth The Plasters The Gift to Wakefield, Farnham, 2011, p. 168).

We are very grateful to Dr Sophie Bowness for her assistance in preparing this catalogue entry.