Seated Figure 1932 - 1933

Hepworth, like Moore, was born and brought up in Yorkshire. They both attended Leeds School of Art and then the Royal College of Art in London. In the late 1920s Hepworth and Moore continued the tradition of direct carving, as opposed to modelling, and were drawn to 'primitive' art forms. But in the 1930s Hepworth looked more towards European abstract and Surrealist models. 'Seated Figure' still retains vestiges of primitivism, but displays a growing interest in abstract organic forms. Hepworth, like Moore was concerned to be truthful to her materials: The sculpture is suggestive of a tree trunk from which the form is released. Gallery label, August 2004