Wakefield’s new art gallery The Hepworth is being hailed a huge success after its first summer.
The gallery is now predicted to easily exceed initial targets for 150,000 visitors in its first year.
More than 100,000 people had walked through the doors of The Hepworth within five weeks of its opening in May, and visitors have been reported from all over the world.
Simon Wallis, director of The Hepworth, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to reach the 100,000 milestone so early into our opening year. We’ve had visitors travelling far and wide, including Japan, France and even Australia to spend a cultural weekend in Yorkshire, to enjoy The Hepworth Wakefield, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Henry Moore Institute and Leeds Art Gallery.
“While it’s a great achievement, we know we have to continue the hard work to ensure we build on this early success and continue putting Wakefield and Yorkshire on the map.”
He said the gallery has provided a huge boost for the local economy, with money being spent in local shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, other attractions and hotels.
Husband and wife, Michael and Christine Slater, from Thornes, in Wakefield, were the two visitors who took the numbers past 100,000.
Mr Slater said: “We just popped along to The Hepworth to have a quick look around. We had no idea we’d end up being the 100,000th visitor to the gallery. Having seen inside, I’d say to anyone who’s not been, come and have a look; it’s well worth a visit.”
The couple have won a year’s membership and a Hepworth Wakefield goody bag, including artist materials.