Our gallery

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The Hepworth Wakefield, construction begins, 2008</p>

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The Hepworth Wakefield under construction</p>

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The Hepworth Wakefield, build completed January 2010. Photo: Jonty Wilde</p>

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OUR JOURNEY

Wakefield Council began project development 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). The project entered a new phase in July 2008 with the appointment of Director Simon Wallis. Simon brings fifteen years’ experience of curating exhibitions in a number of the UK’s leading art galleries and museums including Tate Liverpool, The Institute of Contemporary Art, London, Kettle’s Yard (University of Cambridge) and as Director of Chisenhale Gallery, London.

Construction of the gallery was completed in January 2010. The fit-out, landscaping and infrastructure works were completed early 2011. Total development costs, including the footbridge and all infrastructure designed to improve access are �35 million.

The Hepworth Wakefield is at the heart of Wakefield’s regeneration, and has helped to secure significant private sector funding to restore the listed mills and warehouses in this important conservation area.

The gallery will act as a catalyst for regeneration, attracting visitors and further investment. It will improve the perception, attraction and desirability of Wakefield locally and nationally as a place to live in, work or visit, and through this process raise aspirations among the city’s young people.

‘The Hepworth Wakefield will become a place of pilgrimage for all lovers of sculpture and now with the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds and Yorkshire Sculpture Park in West Bretton, Yorkshire will be a place�of inspiration for all.’ Antony Gormley

The Hepworth Wakefield has been made possible through an innovative investment partnership bringing together regional, national and international partners led by Wakefield Council, underwriters of the project who have contributed funds totalling �18 million.

The �35 million cost of The Hepworth Wakefield is part of the city-wide regeneration strategy set out by Wakefield Council in 2007.

The Hepworth Wakefield is grateful for the generous investment and support of Wakefield Council and the many public sector bodies, charitable trusts and foundations, businesses and individuals who have contributed toward creating the gallery. For a full list of these supporters, click here.