Barbara Hepworth’s Dance Hall to be Revived

Exciting news from St Ives, Cornwall! The iconic Palais de Danse, once an active dance hall, is set to be restored to its former glory, thanks to a plan by Adam Khan Architects.

This historic building, designated as Grade II listed, has a rich history. It served as a lively dance hall from 1925 until it was transformed into a studio by famous sculptor Barbara Hepworth in 1961. Hepworth continued to use the space until her passing in 1975, and since then, it has remained untouched.

The Tate Gallery St Ives is now stepping in with funding from the National Lottery to bring the dance hall back to life. The upper floor will feature a stunning 24-meter-long sprung maple floor, a stage, and glassine screens designed by Hepworth herself.

Meanwhile, the lower floor is planned to showcase Hepworth’s life and work, including a recreated studio and a section of the floor marked to highlight where her notable sculpture, Single Form, once stood. Visitors will also get a chance to see the outdoor yard Hepworth used for larger sculpture prototypes, now set to become a creative studio.

With a new lift and staircase, the building will be fully accessible, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the view from a balcony overlooking the dance hall and a unique projection room featuring original 1930s graffiti.

Adam Khan, the director of the practice behind this project, expressed great excitement about the transformation. He sees it as a blend of a working studio, sculpture gallery, and performance space inspired by Hepworth’s artistic heritage.

Tate St Ives is committed to using locally sourced materials and incorporating eco-friendly technologies in the restoration efforts. This project aims to honor the rich history of the Palais de Danse while creating a lively hub for artists and the community.