The sculpture before treatment and maintenance began in 2009, showing the patchy surface appearance
A view of the sculpture soon after it was made showing that the internal surfaces of the pierced areas were originally brightly polished whilst the flat surfaces were artificially patinated in green (© Bowness)
Darkened patches on the green surface in 2009
Detail of the patchy areas showing a shiny lacquer residue
Small islands of remaining varnish on the upper surface of the rings
Detail of one of the lacquer patches on the inner surface of one of the pierced ‘rings’ showing how it has protected the original polished surface. The surrounding unprotected bronze has naturally patinated green
Bird lime deposits on the top surface of the sculpture. These can severely affect the patina if not regularly removed
Maintenance washing to remove bird lime and surface soils
Maintenance also involves clearing any long grass around the base
Detail of one of the rings in 2018 showing how the patches have integrated so that they are no longer visible
View of the sculpture after nine years of maintenance
Dame Barbara Hepworth
'Two Forms (Divided Circle)' 1969
This sculpture belongs to the Hepworth Estate and is currently on loan to Downing College. It is probably a sand-cast bronze with an artificially applied patina and would have been cast from a plaster original that was hand finished by the artist.
Our first examination showed that there was a rather patchy surface on the green vertical faces caused by remnants of an old lacquer that may originally have been applied to preserve the patina colour on the sculpture. The subsequent uneven loss of this lacquer caused the green patina to further develop under the influence of weathering leading to a contrast between protected and unprotected areas.
We treated the sculpture by removing the patches of old lacquer and washing the surface thoroughly. We then applied waxes to the surface to provide protection from weathering and these are replenished with each annual maintenance treatment. The patchy areas were initially retouched with pigments regularly so that they were less visually intrusive. Darker tinted waxes are used on the base to preserve the contrast intended by the artist.
We have maintained this sculpture annually since 2009 and, after several years of treatment involving cleaning and waxing, the patchy areas have now naturally integrated with the surrounding green patina so that the visual appearance is unified and retouching is no longer necessary.
With thanks to:
Tessa Jackson, sculpture conservator, for her assistance with this maintenance treatment.
Artist | Dame Barbara Hepworth |
|---|---|
Name | 'Two Forms (Divided Circle)' 1969 |
Client | Downing College |
Location | Cambridge |