ICM - Leeds Design Agency

I couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to get time to visit The Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield. It had been on my ‘to do list’ since it opened and I have to say it was worth the wait.

The gallery itself is located on the river, which isn’t only stunning to look at, but also creates renewable energy for the heating and cooling of the gallery. The building is constructed of pigmented concrete which gives it a very sculpted looked and complements the work within perfectly.

I took my two year old daughter with me and I was surprised how well kids are catered for at The Hepworth. The outside play area is fantastic and inside there are many activities and events designed to get kids being more creative.

The gallery inside is very light and has so many pieces of well known works that I haven’t seen anything like outside of London. I used a Mondrian to teach my 2 year old colours and showed her one of my favourite works, a sculpture by Barbara Hepworth, entitled ‘Mother and Child’ where I asked her what it was and she said ‘Baby’. I was very proud.

When we Looked at Eva Rothschild’s work my little girl pointed out the snakes. It was wonderful seeing the work though the eyes of a two year old. She was spotting things I would never have noticed.

The Hepworth. has also been shortlisted for the 2011 British Design Award – Best Architectural Achievement. Fingers crossed for them.