Barbara Hepworth sculpture makes £250,000 at Essex auction

The sculpture is 12in (30cm) tall

A sculpture by Dame Barbara Hepworth has been sold at auction in Essex for £250,000 to a buyer in London.

The 12in (30cm) tall piece, known as Two Rotating Forms, Number 2, was sold by Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers in Stansted Mountfitchet.

Auctioneer Guy Schooling said it was exciting to see the sculpture sell for so much.

"It really was absolutely at the top end of our expectations," he told BBC Essex.

"It was quite a thrill."

Before the sale, Mr Schooling said he expected the sale price estimate of £60,000 to £80,000 to be exceeded.

"This is without question the most significant piece of sculpture we have ever had the privilege to sell," he said.

"She is an iconic name. One of the great British artists of the 20th Century beyond all doubt."

The sculpture, which is made of alabaster on a wood base, was created by Dame Barbara in 1966.

Mr Schooling said it was rare for a piece by someone of her stature to be sold outside of London.

"It was a real coup for us to be able to offer this for sale," he said.

"You never know quite what's going to happen."

The work was sold to a bidder in London.