Society gives the Hepworth Wakefield 'the thumbs up'!

18/Jun/2010

PRESS RELEASE - New Hepworth Gallery has the Wow! factor

Members of Wakefield Civic Society gave the thumbs up to the new Hepworth gallery after a tour of the building last week. Over a hundred members and specially invited guests were given a private viewing of building’s interior at an event organised by the Society to mark regional Civic Societies Week and came away much impressed by what they had seen and heard.

Gordon Watson, project director for the Hepworth gave an overview of the design and construction of the gallery to a design by internationally acclaimed architect David Chipperfield after which gallery director Simon Wallis spoke about his plans for the gallery and exhibitions once the gallery opens in May 2011. Members of the galley staff then walked people around the gallery explaining how each of the galleries would be used.

Civic Society President Kevin Trickett said “This was a marvellous opportunity for our members and guests to see the inside of the gallery and we are grateful to Simon Wallis and his team for extending the invitation to us. It’s true to say that some of our members had misgivings about the exterior design of the building but seeing the inside of the building gives a completely different perspective. People just could not believe how large and well lit the gallery spaces are – indeed, the most frequently used expression I heard was – ‘It’s like the Tardis – bigger on the inside than appears possible from the outside!’ One person even commented that the design was ‘stupendous’!”

After the tour of the gallery, members enjoyed a buffet provided by the Society and an opportunity to discuss their visit with gallery staff.

Mr Trickett concluded that many people had been won over by their visit. He said “Yes, we had some doubters at the beginning of the evening but, by the end, I think people were convinced that the new gallery will be a terrific asset for the city. There is an economic case that shows heritage and culture can help to regenerate a place through attracting visitors who will then go on to spend money locally in shops, hotels and restaurants. The Hepworth Wakefield will form an attraction in its own right but when combined with the Yorkshire Sculpture Park should help to establish Wakefield’s legitimate claim to be a City of Sculpture and we are all looking forward to seeing the gallery again when it opens next year.”

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