Entertainment · Books & Arts · 2 hrs ago
Barbara Hepworth sculpture inspired by Cornwall estimated at up to £8m
A sculpture by British artist Barbara Hepworth could sell for up to £8 million at auction in London on October 21.
Called “Sculpture with Colour (Eos)”, it was carved from one piece of pale stone in 1946.
The work has three hollows highlighted with blue, grey and white paint.
It is one of only three known coloured stone carvings Hepworth made that year.
Hepworth moved to Cornwall during the Second World War, and the coastal landscape influenced her art.
The sculpture appeared in a 1946 photograph for Vogue and was recently shown in a London exhibition.
Christie’s estimates it will sell for between £5 million and £8 million.
Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture “Sculpture with Colour (Eos)” is estimated to sell for between £5 million and £8 million at auction.
The work will lead Christie’s modern British and Irish art evening sale on October 21.
Carved in 1946 from a single piece of pale Hopton Wood stone, it is one of only three known coloured stone carvings by Hepworth from that year.
The sculpture’s form and colours reflect Hepworth’s response to Cornwall’s coastal landscape.
It appeared in a 1946 Vogue photograph by Lee Miller and recently featured in a Courtauld Gallery exhibition in London.
- Who
- The sculpture is by Barbara Hepworth.
- What
- Sculpture with Colour (Eos)” is estimated to fetch £5 million to £8 million at auction.
- When
- The sale is scheduled for October 21. The article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- The auction will be held by Christie’s in London.
- Why
- The work was influenced by the Cornish coast, where Hepworth lived after moving to Cornwall during the Second World War.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
truth to materials
suggests emergence, awakening and renewal: a new world coming into being
immersed herself in the coastal landscape, absorbing impressions of the play of light across the water, as well as the natural, organic forms of cliffs, sea arches and ancient monuments that she discovered there
Hepworth carved “Sculpture with Colour (Eos)” from a single piece of pale Hopton Wood stone.
The sculpture appeared in a Lee Miller photograph of Hepworth for Vogue.
The Independent published its report on the sculpture and its auction estimate.
The sculpture is due to be on view at Christie’s London.
The sculpture is due to be shown again in the Modern British and Irish Sales exhibition.
Christie’s modern British and Irish art evening sale is scheduled to take place.
- Artist
- Barbara Hepworth
- Title
- Sculpture with Colour (Eos)
- Auction estimate
- £5 million to £8 million
- Material and date
- Pale Hopton Wood stone; carved in 1946
- Sale
- Christie’s modern British and Irish art evening sale, October 21
- Viewing
- Christie’s London; until October 14 and again October 17 to 21
Sources
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