Sophie’s choice to do opening honours at sculpture gallery

The visit is an honour for the gallery, which has proved to be an overwhelming success since it opened 10 months ago, welcoming over 435,000 visitors, far exceeding the initial first year target of 150,000.

That makes The Hepworth Wakefield one of the most visited galleries in England.

The Countess will be met by several dignitaries from across Wakefield district, before joining Wakefield Council leader Coun Peter Box and Hepworth Wakefield director Simon Wallis.

Sophie will then enjoy a tour of the building and inspect the collection displays and the recently opened contemporary exhibitions by Heather & Ivan Morison, Ben Rivers and David Thorpe.

Her Royal Highness will also tour the gallery’s Learning Studios and meet schoolchildren who have been taking part in creative projects and activities at the gallery.

The highlight of the day will be when Sophie joins Hepworth Wakefield Trust chairman David Liddiment and architect David Chipperfield for afternoon tea, which also offers the chance to meet supporters and staff from the gallery.

The visit will conclude with the Countess unveiling a plaque in the riverside gallery to officially commemorate its opening.

Members of the public are being invited to greet Sophie when she arrives at the gallery at 3.30pm.

The exhibition rooms will be open to the public as usual and visitors will be able to observe proceedings with Her Royal Highness during her visit.

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