Hepworth Gallery, Wakefield Photography

24 May 2011

I was pleased to see what a raging success the launch of the Hepworth Wakefield gallery was. Mainly because I had the privilege of photographing it for Laing O’Rourke last year when it was handed over to the client last year. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects and built by Laing O’Rourke, the £35m gallery is one of the largest purpose built art attractions to open in the UK for 50 years. It’s a truly impressive space that aims to commemorate the work of local artist Barbara Hepworth.

In addition to the 10 galleries and learning studios, Hepworth Wakefield features an archive; an auditorium; a shop; a café; a bar with an outdoor terrace; and a riverside play area.

Like all great modern architecture, it’s devisive. I had a ranting email from one lady a few months ago, chastising me for having it in my web portfolio. She thought it was an outrage.

I think it’s a triumph. There isn’t a single right angle internally or externally. Perched on the river Calder, it looks surreal without being wacky. It really lifts the otherwise drab surroundings. It’s not the prettiest part of Wakefield but when you turn a corner and the Hepworth appears out of nowhere it stops you in your tracks. Buildings like this have such a positive effect on a community and the people of Wakefield are right to be proud of it. This building will bring people to Wakefield.

Internally, the engineering employed to harness as much natural light as possible is breathtaking. As well as floor to ceiling windows, direct sunlight is harnessed from huge skylights and reflected onto walls via angled ceilings, creating a soft, diffused light in each exhibit space.

The shoot was a tough one. The sun was out and I captured some blue sky externals which was a good start. I was then informed the architects and project directors needed photographing sooner rather than later as they had to leave. I then spent the next hour or so setting up some environmental portraits with some of the key people shot individually and in groups. It went well but my stress levels were rising as I saw the rain clouds approach outside. Then just as I finished the last portrait the heavens opened.

Finally the rain subsided but the cloud wasn’t going anywhere and in all honest I’m glad it didn’t. The gloomy dramatic sky really suited the building and the front elevation shot across the water has been a hit and used in several magazine features since.

Here’s some images and outtakes from the shoot that day: