First major exhibition on Barbara Hepworth's use of colour opens at The Courtauld Gallery

From June 12 to September 6, 2026, the Courtauld Gallery will present 'Hepworth in Colour,' the first exhibit dedicated exclusively to Barbara Hepworth's use of color. The display will include around 20 sculptures and 30 drawings and paintings, showcasing her fascination with color and challenging the idea that she only focused on material and direct carving. Highlights consist of 'Eidos' (1947–48) from Melbourne’s National Gallery and 'Eos' (1946) from a Hong Kong private collection, both in the UK for the first time since 1954. A standout piece is 'Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form), Pale Blue and Red' (1943), recently bought by The Hepworth Wakefield after raising £3.8 million. The exhibit will also feature all six versions of 'Sculpture with Colour (Deep Blue and Red)' and wartime drawings, plus works from the 1950s and 60s. The Courtauld's Project Space will show photographs by Paul Laib of Hepworth and Ben Nicholson in their Hampstead studio.