Tuesday 8 March 2016

Dimensions

Taken from the Tate page,

Square Forms was made of seven elements projecting from a rectangular column screwed to a square base and selectively patinated green. There are five overlapping squares which, like the base, each measure c.89mm (3 1/2 in.); the base is 23mm (7/8 in.) thick, the planes c.5mm (3/16 in.). The core of the cluster is held by a vertical rectangle (equivalent to a square and a half) held in the column in a mortise joint. Behind it, a small rectangle (half a square) lifts up a square (the third from the front); another square (the fourth), immediately behind, is let into a shallow joint cut away from the top back edge of the column. The other squares are stacked up and displaced upwards or to the side. They are simply riveted together face to face (Tate Gallery Conservation Files); rivets are discernible in the overlap between the highest square and that below. Apart from the column, all the main surfaces show the results of diagonal saw cuts in from corners. This is also seen on the base. Breon O'Casey has recalled that, as an assistant, he trimmed the squares off the bases of an edition of bronze sculptures; Hepworth recognised their potential and salvaged the off-cuts (interview with the author, 16 Oct. 1996). An edition of nine was issued; they were cut and riveted individually rather than being cast.

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