reach out and touch...

So smooth

Winged

I always knew I was a touchy feely kind of person, but until today hadn't realised just how much I appreciate things in a tactile way. We went to the Hepworth Gallery in the centre of Wakefield, again whole-heartedly recommended.

A gleaming bronze Moore

The extra joy of wood

The thing is, people are not allowed to touch the oh so strokeable exhibits. I understand why. Sticky fingers, the corrosive interplay of chemicals, I do get the dangers. But I still found is so achingly frustrating! Surely a massive part of the appeal of both Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth's sculptures is just how gorgeous they are to fondle.

Mother and child

 There was one Moore piece that could be touched, with gallery gloves, so I borrowed those for - in the terms of the attendant - "a good feel." But all these amazing pieces were off limits, so I am left feeling somehow bereft that I couldn't connect with them properly. I was, of course, a good girl, and didn't want to spoil them (or get thrown out) but still, I was much happier when we got outside and I could caress the external Hepworth piece.

Redeemed at last 'cos I could touch this one