PR.2131
04/03/09
Wakefield’s new world-class art gallery, The Hepworth Wakefield, takes another major step forward on 4 March when it holds its topping out ceremony.
The ceremony marks the completion of the main structure of the new landmark building, designed by internationally acclaimed architect David Chipperfield. Over 100 guests will join Wakefield Council Leader, Cllr Peter Box, and Director of Laing O’Rourke Construction North, Dan Doherty, to be among the first to stand inside the newest and third largest art gallery in the north of England.
Along with Wakefield’s nationally important art collection, a key highlight of The Hepworth Wakefield will be a previously unseen collection of sculptures by celebrated Wakefield-born artist, Barbara Hepworth. The Hepworth Wakefield will also bring major art exhibitions to Yorkshire by some of the world’s leading contemporary artists.
Wakefield Council Leader, Cllr Peter Box said: ‘I am delighted that we have reached this important milestone in what is one of the most exciting cultural projects currently underway outside London. I am very impressed with what has been achieved so far and grateful to all of our funding partners for helping us get to this point.
‘This is another significant step forward for Wakefield and a testament to the tremendous ambition that we have in this district. The Hepworth is going to further enhance Wakefield’s excellent reputation for world-class cultural attractions and make the district a leading destination for people who love art, architecture and design.’
Dan Doherty, Director of main contractors Laing O’Rourke said: ‘This is one of the most exciting projects that Laing O'Rourke’s Yorkshire business and possibly the whole Group has ever been involved with. The Hepworth will be seen as an iconic building locally, regionally and nationally. As a resident of Wakefield I am immensely proud of what we are delivering for the city.’
Nick Hill, Associate Director for David Chipperfield Architects added: ‘This extraordinary project results from the hard work of a highly committed team; not least the tremendous work on site that is now visible to all. There is a real sense of anticipation now that the completion of the gallery is in sight and we eagerly await the day when the doors open to the public.’
Now that the main structure is complete, work will begin inside the new building. As well as over 2,000m² of purpose-built gallery space, The Hepworth will provide state of the art visitor facilities including a new café and restaurant overlooking the River Calder, a £2 million learning centre offering a varied programme of workshops, and a 100-seat auditorium where visitors can enjoy talks, lectures, performances, film-screenings and concerts.
Wakefield Council is leading the development of The Hepworth Wakefield with co-funding partners Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund, the Homes and Communities Agency, Yorkshire Forward and the European Union.
Andy Carver, Regional Executive Director for Arts Council England, Yorkshire said: 'The Arts Council is really excited to be a major investor in The Hepworth Wakefield. We believe our £5 million funding through the National Lottery will help achieve our ambition of getting great art to everyone and we look forward to working with The Hepworth and Wakefield Council to fulfill the fantastic potential of the new gallery. It will be a world-class centre for the visual arts in Yorkshire and will provide new creative opportunities for people in Wakefield and far beyond."
Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: ‘This is a key landmark in the development of a new cultural gem for Wakefield. It joins a host of other projects that we are proud to have supported in the area, such as the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the National Coal Mining Museum.’
Notes for editors:
The topping out ceremony is one of the construction industry’s oldest traditions. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Scandinavian practice of placing a tree on top of a new building to appease tree-dwelling spirits. Scandinavian invaders first brought the practice to England and today it is a non-religious ceremony which includes placing an evergreen tree within the building walls to bring good luck.
