01 May - 29 September, 2019
Henry Moore
'NATURE & INSPIRATION'
The Exhibition
In a unique collaboration with the Henry Moore Foundation, Houghton Hall presented the first significant show of the artist’s work in East Anglia. The exhibition included several monumental outdoor pieces in the grounds of the house, as well as a selection of smaller works, models, and etchings, which were shown in the ground floor gallery spaces. There were also sculptural interventions in the State Rooms, particularly in The Stone Hall. Highlights included many of Moore’s most celebrated works such as "Large Reclining Figure 1984," "The Arch 1963-69," "Three Piece Sculpture: Vertebrae 1968-69," and "Upright Motive No.8 1955-56."
Godfrey Worsdale, Director, Henry Moore Foundation, said: “The Foundation was delighted that Henry Moore’s work was seen in the remarkable surroundings of Houghton Hall. Over recent years, Houghton has become increasingly recognized for the platform it gives to artists, and in particular to the work of sculptors. Henry Moore was frequently engaged by the relationship of his work with architecture and always pleased to see his monumental forms in natural light and settings; this exhibition enabled both to be seen to magnificent effect.”
About the Artist
Henry Moore (1898 – 1986) is considered to be one of the most important British artists of the 20th Century and arguably the most internationally celebrated sculptor of the modern era. Moore was a pioneer, and the first British artist to become a global star in his own lifetime. His work came to symbolize post-war modernism and can be said to have caused a British sculptural renaissance. Moore’s sculpture can be seen in innumerable museum collections around the world. He worked in many different mediums, but his most recognizable works are large bronze groups using both figurative and abstract elements. He also produced fibreglass versions of some of his most iconic pieces, specifically for exhibition, and two of these will be on show at Houghton.
Moore left a large body of work to the Foundation, which he set up in the grounds of his house at Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, in 1977. Part of the Foundation’s remit is to make loans and organize exhibitions both in this country and abroad.
Acknowledgements
Presented in a unique collaboration with the Henry Moore Foundation and curated by Sebastiano Barassi. The exhibition was sponsored by Gagosian.
"It is a great accolade for Houghton to have the Henry Moore Foundation involved in this year’s exhibition. We feel honoured that the Foundation are lending such a range of important work and have agreed to curate the show for us. We are also extremely grateful to our sponsors, particularly the Gagosian Gallery.”
Lord Cholmondeley
