Clare Lilley Introduces Barbara Hepworth: The Family of Man

Barbara Hepworth was born in Wakefield in 1903 and went on to be recognised as one of the most important artists of the 20th century, whose influence continues to be very strong today.
Hepworth was keen for her work to be experienced in the open air and to be enjoyed by as many people as possible. We have worked closely with her family and Estate since the earliest years of YSP.
In 2003 we collaborated with Tate St Ives on an exhibition to celebrate the centenary of the artist’s birth. YSP is the only place in Europe that you can see The Family of Man (1970) in its entirety. The last major work by Hepworth, these nine figures on a hill range from Youth through to Ultimate Form and Ancestor and are both a personal and universal family tree.
The bronze sculptures have an exquisite and unique patina, or surface, which is maintained by the conservator Laura Davies. This is why we ask for you to appreciate the sculptures without touching, although we understand it’s very tempting.
Barbara Hepworth, The Family of Man, 1970, Courtesy of the Hepworth Estate