Public artworks by Hepworth and Gormley among 41 post-war sculptures to be listed

41 pieces of post-war public art, including works by Anthony Gormley and Barbara Hepworth, are to be listed by the government following advice from Historic England. Most of the artworks have been given Grade II or II* listing in recognition of the positive impact they made in public spaces in the years following WW2.

Roger Bowdler, Director of Listing at Historic England said: “These sculptures were commissioned and created for everybody and have become a precious national collection of art which we can all share. They enrich our lives, bring art to everyone and deserve celebration. We have worked with the Public Monuments and Sculpture Association, Tate, and the Twentieth Century Society throughout this project to ensure our most special public art is protected and continues to enhance our public spaces.”

English Heritage has produced a map of where the works are located.

In recent years a number of notable public works of art have been destroyed, lost, sold or stolen. Listing the sculptures will help preserve the works for future generations. In February a new exhibition at Somerset House in London titled Out There will tell the stories of the lost works and the newly listed sculptures.