A SCULPTURE by renowned artist Dame Barbara Hepworth was recently re-discovered in a Dorset school after it went missing 50 years ago.
The polished bronze sculpture Single Form (1962) was found by Laura Sweetenham, who was recently appointed as the archivist for Bryanston School in Blanford Forum, during an update of the school’s artefact register.
The sculpture, hailed as a masterpiece, will now be sold at auction on April 17 held by Dukes Auctioneers to raise money for the Bryanston Art Bursary Fund.
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Single Form was first donated to Bryanston in 1975 following a bequest by a former governor to inspire future generations of creative arts students.
It was originally donated by Hepworth to a Save the Children charity auction in 1963 where the former governor bid for it and subsequently bequeathed it to Bryanston School.
Bryanston pupils and archivist, Laura Sweetenham, with the Hepworth sculpture Picture: Bryanston School
The private school said that until recently, the Hepworth Estate had no trace of the sculpture since the governor’s death in 1975.
“The rediscovery has been met with great enthusiasm by the Hepworth Estate as it bridges a 50-year gap in the artwork’s history,” a school spokesperson said.
Bryanston’s Head Richard Jones said the school is “thrilled” to have the opportunity to raise money for their art fund.
“The rediscovery of this statue means we have the exciting prospect of providing opportunities for talented students who might not otherwise be able to benefit from a Bryanston education,” he said.
“Auctioning this historical artwork, embodies our ethos and longstanding motto ‘et nova et vetera’, the new and the old, honouring the original intention behind the donation which was to inspire young people.”
Guy Schwinge of the Art Advisers, Hanover Forbes, said: “This is a remarkable work by the most important female sculptor of the 20th century.
“It is certain to appeal to collectors globally when it is offered at auction by Duke’s of Dorchester next year.”
The sculpture was originally inspired by Hepworth’s 1937 carving in lignum vitae of the same name, which remains part of the Hepworth Estate and is currently displayed at the Courtauld Gallery in London.
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