Barbara Hepworth’s Sculpture with Colour saved for nation

Created in 1943, abstract wooden carving marked a breakthrough in genius' British artist's career

A rare wooden carving by the renowned abstract sculptor Barbara Hepworth, regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century, has been saved for the nation after a successful appeal to raise 3.8m.

Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red, created in 1943, marked a breakthrough in Hepworth's career. One of only a handful of wooden carvings made by her during the 1940s, it is one of the first major such works she made using strings.