Hepworth Wakefield

Every blog has to start somewhere and  ironically it's not a moan but a celebration of an amazing new arrival on the waterfront in Wakefield. I suspect many residents of this fine city and former county town of the West Riding didn't even know they had a waterside, so run down and neglected it had become. But a few years ago the people of Wakefield decided it was time to 'get a grip' and with the help of a fancy American architect drew up a masterplan to completely recast the city centre. A key element of this new vision was a suitable home for the city's collection of Barbara Hepworth sculptures and the bold decision was taken to put it right by the river and ancient bridge.

An architectural competition produced an unashamedly modern design by David Chipperfield and whilst I can appreciate that it won't be to every ones taste, all I would say is look inside. The architect has succeeded in providing some stunningly varied spaces that really allow full appreciation of the sculpture, rather than drawing the eye away. The exception is in some very carefully placed full height windows that allow uninterrupted views of the superb waterside location. 

I guess it's obvious to say that you only get a limited amount of time to see a new piece of architecture like this and before the rough edges start to accumulate. It's the only time the architect can bask in the glory of seeing their creation in as near perfect condition as possible. All the clean lines - and this building has lots and lots of clean lines - are completely free of extraneous fixtures, signs, notices or just accumulated junk. If I had my way and I was an architect I would insist on a team of 'design police' as part of the brief to ensure that my lovely clean lines remain just that, clean.

Being a bit of a perfectionist, I have to say I was impressed with the detailing and my only two disappointments some might feel are pedantic in the extreme, but remember the saying 'why spoil the ship for a ha'ppeth of tar.' Having commended the gallery management for the complete absence of notices - there isn't even one that says 'no photography' - there are four home made signs in the beautifully executed gents explaining how to turn the electronically activated taps on and off. A design fault of the taps I venture to suggest. The other irritation is outside the purview of the architect I'm sure. Some non vertical poles holding security cameras, but only feet from lighting poles - oh and some very hideous local authority litter bins. 

But lets not be churlish. The City of Wakefield deserve a great deal of praise for having the courage during a recession to carry on with this 35 million pound regeneration and cultural scheme in a former unpromising part of the city. It will undoubtedly have a positive effect on surrounding derelict buildings including an historic watermill and act as a catalyst for regeneration generally. I notice that it's only a short distance from the sad, neglected but finely detailed Kirkgate railway station. 

This new gallery perfectly complements the Sculpture Park at Bretton and will really put Wakefield on the sculpture trail alongside the Henry Moore Gallery in Leeds and Tate at St Ives. I would recommend an early visit to savour this free facility.