History
Anyone visiting the Glebelands area may have noticed a large sculpture situated in the middle of a housing estate. This sculpture is known as ‘Contrapuntal Forms’ and was created by artist Barbara Hepworth.
During the Festival of Britain 1948 several artworks, sculptures and mosaics were on display by well-known artists. At the end of festival some of the artwork was available for local authorities to bid on, Harlow Art Trust entered and was successfully awarded the ‘Contrapuntal Forms’ sculpture. The sculpture was placed in Glebelands to fulfil its purpose as a public sculpture within an urban neighbourhood.
In 2021 the sculpture went on tour with the Barbara Hepworth: Art and Life exhibition. It was returned to its original location in October 2022.
Sculpture Town
In 2021 Harlow became the world’s first ‘Sculpture Town’ and has a collection of over 100 public sculptures. These sculptures were created by various artists including Henry Moore, Ralph Brown, Elisabeth Frink, William Mitchell, Barbara Hepworth, Auguste Rodin and Nick Hornby.
The Harlow Art Trust have a dedicated Harlow Sculpture trail website with an interactive map, allowing users to browse various locations in Harlow and the onsite sculptures. Users can also find out about upcoming talks and tours.
View the Harlow Sculpture Trail website hereWhat to see at Harlow Museum?
Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens features several historical details on Harlow and its connection to artwork and sculptures. Learn about Sir Frederick Gibbers vision of Harlow New Town and how it incorporates lush green spaces and neighbourhood artwork by visiting the New Town Gallery. And visitors can learn more about some of Harlow’s most influential people within the Movers and Shapers Harlow the Makers Gallery.
Learn more about Harlow Museum here