Biography

Born in Yorkshire in 1898, sculptor, draughtsman, and printmaker Henry Moore is regarded as a leading figure of British Modernism. Championed early on in his career by the British Council and influential art critic Herbert Read, Moore’s works were included in important exhibitions such as the International Surrealist Exhibition of 1936, the Festival of Britain of 1951, and the Venice Biennales of 1948 and 1952.

Moore established his three main themes as early as the 1920s and continued to use them throughout his entire artistic career: the reclining figure, the standing figure, and the mother and child. His treatment of these figures is referred to as ‘semi-abstract’ due to his use of negative space and unusual proportions.

Today, Moore’s sculptures can be seen in prestigious settings such as outside of The National Gallery in Washington D.C, within the bounds of St Paul’s Cathedral and on the grounds of Forte di Belvedere in Florence. Moore was intent on ensuring his legacy and donated many of his works to institutions such as the Tate Gallery, London and the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. To this day, these galleries both dedicate an entire room to his sculptural practice.