Sculpture Exhibition: Moore at Hatfield
Henry Spencer Moore OM CH FBA (1898-1986), Englishman, avant-garde, modernist and giant of twentieth-century sculpture. Moore at Hatfield will show the largest collection of Henry Moore’s Monumental works ever exhibited in the grounds of an historic house.
Following in the footsteps of Epstein and Brancusi, Moore railed against the established academic practices and classical traditions of sculpture and instead insisted on direct carvings and truth to materials. Taking inspiration from non-western works that he saw in museums, signature motifs of the reclining figure and mother and child permeated his work. Although he worked in the open air throughout his career, Moore was already Fifty and at the peak of his production, when he began creating sculpture intended to be sited in the landscape.
‘Sculpture is an art of the open air . . . I would rather have a piece of my sculpture put in a landscape, almost any landscape, than in or on the most beautiful building in the world.’
Sculpture and Drawings by Henry Moore, Tate Gallery, 1951, p.4.
Moore at Hatfield presents a unique opportunity to explore Moore’s intentions, and witness how the ever-changing landscape both inspires and combines with the beauty of his radical ‘new forms’.
The exhibition at Hatfield is open to the public from 23 April – 30 September 2011. Tickets are available at the Kiosks on arrival or book online here
For all group bookings call 01707 287010 or email visitors@hatfield-house.co.uk
Tours for groups are also available.
Lord Salisbury, whose family have lived at Hatfield continuously for over 400 years, said today: ‘We are proud to have The Henry Moore Foundation as neighbours in Hertfordshire and excited that they have agreed to help us celebrate the four hundredth anniversary of the completion of Hatfield House. The sculptures will look magnificent in the garden and woodland setting and we hope our visitors will enjoy them as much as all of us at Hatfield will’.
Anita Feldman, Head of Collections and Exhibitions at The Henry Moore Foundation, said today: ‘We are delighted to be working on an exhibition of Moore’s outdoor sculpture for Hatfield House’s 2011 Visitor Season. The gardens will be a wonderful location for Moore’s work, and we hope the sculptures will be enjoyed in their formal and woodland settings by visitors throughout the summer.’
Follow Moore at Hatfield on Twitter
Our Newsletter
Register for regular event news and special offers
Before you arrive
Purchase tickets for the exhibition
Buy exhibition tickets