Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Dual Form’s Temporary Relocation to Kresen Kernow, Redruth

Barbara Hepworth’s celebrated sculpture, Dual Form, has been relocated to Kresen Kernow in Redruth as part of the Guildhall Renewal Project. This temporary move ensures public access to the artwork while essential upgrades take place in St Ives.

A New Home for Dual Form

On 25th November, the renowned cast bronze sculpture was carefully transported to its temporary home at Kresen Kernow, Cornwall’s archive and records centre. The relocation ensures Dual Form remains accessible to the public during the renewal works at St Ives Guildhall. The sculpture will return to its original location outside the Guildhall once the forecourt renovations, which include a level access entrance and a redesigned portico, are completed.

The Guildhall Renewal Project is one of nine initiatives funded by the St Ives Town Deal. The upgrades aim to revitalise the heart of St Ives, creating a welcoming and accessible space for locals and visitors alike.

Why Kresen Kernow?

Housed in the former Redruth Brewery, Kresen Kernow opened in 2019 and serves as a state-of-the-art archive preserving over 1.5 million records spanning 850 years. With its modern research areas and exhibition spaces, the centre provides the perfect environment to host Dual Form during this transitional period.

Deborah Tritton, Service Manager at Kresen Kernow, expressed her excitement:

“We are thrilled to be able to provide a temporary home for Dual Form, which has been made possible as a result of the Government Indemnity Scheme. We would like to thank HM Government and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England for arranging the indemnity. This ensures the public can continue to enjoy it while the much-needed work is completed at the Guildhall.”

Visit Kresen Kernow to explore this masterpiece alongside Cornwall’s rich history.

The Legacy of Barbara Hepworth and Dual Form

Barbara Hepworth is celebrated as one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century. Dual Form, gifted to St Ives in 1968, is a testament to her artistic vision and connection to the area, where she lived and worked. Hepworth personally selected its placement outside the Guildhall, and meticulous planning has ensured the sculpture will return to its exact position once the renovation is complete.

Dual Form is one of seven casts, with others displayed as far afield as Washington and the Netherlands. Cast at the Morris Singer Foundry in London, the sculpture reflects Hepworth’s pioneering use of “pierced forms,” which create a dynamic interplay of light, space, and material.

Safeguarding a Masterpiece

The Town Council worked with Sculpture Transport UK, a team specialising in moving significant artworks, to ensure the safe relocation of Dual Form. Every detail, including templating its base to match the future plinth, was carefully planned.

Charlotte Tomlinson, Project Manager for the Guildhall Renewal Project, shared her insights:

“There has been a lot to consider in moving Dual Form. With such an important and large sculpture, we’ve worked carefully to account for every detail, including commissioning an experienced team and making sure its plinth will be a perfect fit. We’re thrilled to share Dual Form with Kresen Kernow for a short time and look forward to its return to the Guildhall next year, where it will continue to inspire for decades to come.”

Mayor of St Ives, Johnnie Wells, also praised the progress made:

“With so much hard work gone on Guildhall Renewal Project, behind the scenes over the past couple of years with the it feels really good to actually see some of it starting to play out. Well done to all the team getting this far. I would like to encourage everyone to go to Kresen Kernow to see Dual Form there, it’s a great building and well worth a visit.”

For updates on the Guildhall Renewal Project, visit stivesguildhall.co.uk/future.

About the St Ives Town Deal

The Guildhall Renewal Project is part of the St Ives Town Deal, which secured up to £19.9 million for regeneration projects across the town. Cornwall was the only area invited to submit proposals for four of its towns—Camborne, Penzance, St Ives, and Truro—resulting in £88.7 million of funding.

Learn more about the Town Deals programme at gov.uk or visit the St Ives Town Deal website.

Barbara Hepworth’s Dual Form continues to inspire and connect people to Cornwall’s artistic heritage. Don’t miss the chance to see it at Kresen Kernow before its return to St Ives in 2025.