Barbara Hepworth: Carvings and Drawings

Artist: Barbara Hepworth 
Author: Herbert Read 
Publisher: Lund Humphries 
Date: 1952 
Condition: A generally very tidy copy of this volume, some light tanning of the paper as is often seen, especially opposite the printed chapter leaders on ochre paper. From the first edition, complete with original dust wrapper that is a little worn at the edges, minor handling marks and with two short tears to the upper edge. 

This important early book on Barbara Hepworth by her close friend and great critic Herbert Read is still a key text for anyone seriously interested in her work. 

By the publishing standards of the day, this was a particularly lavish production and the photography, often taken immediately after the sculptures were completed, is extremely informative on how pieces have aged. This book documents very well the early career of Britain’s greatest female sculptor – there would be much more to come in the following years too!