In contrast to the older architecture of the last two days, here is a view of the outside of the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield, as you approach it across a footbridge over the River Calder.
Wakefield Council began project development for this site in 2003 with a RIBA international architecture competition that led to the selection of David Chipperfield as architect. Design development started in 2004 and construction began three years later, after capital funding had been secured from Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire Forward, the European Union (ERDF) and the Homes and Communities Agency (formerly English Partnerships).
Construction of the gallery was completed in January 2010, while the fit-out, landscaping and infrastructure works were completed in early 2011. Total development costs, including the footbridge and all the infrastructure designed to improve access were £35 million.
The gallery was opened on 21 May 2011, and has been a popular visitor attraction since. In it's first five weeks after opening it received over 100,000 visitors. While not everyone will appreciate the brutalist architecture, the interior does provide a fitting place to see the many works of art on display, and large windows give attractive views over the surrounding area.
Very modernist - I was going to say 'brutalist' - and now I will, 'cos I've seen that term used to describe it :) béton brut (raw concrete) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brutalist_architecture 'The building's brutalist design is not universally popular with local people.' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hepworth_Wakefield Actually I like it a lot, strong, resolute, uncompromising form. Not to be trifled with! Fav, btw :)
Thank you all for your comments and favs, they are all appreciated!
I'm still not sure how I feel about this building. My first reaction to it was one of disappointment, although it has grown on me a little. The building in some ways does complement the art within, and the interior is very nice. It will be interesting to see how it stands the test of time!
Quite right Paul, I could easily have tweaked the verticals, but I have an internal conflict between wanting to improve the image and wanting to record reality - in this case reality won.
Thank you all for your comments and favs, they are all appreciated!
I'm still not sure how I feel about this building. My first reaction to it was one of disappointment, although it has grown on me a little. The building in some ways does complement the art within, and the interior is very nice. It will be interesting to see how it stands the test of time!
Ian
Quite right Paul, I could easily have tweaked the verticals, but I have an internal conflict between wanting to improve the image and wanting to record reality - in this case reality won.
Ian