The Henry Moore Institute
Set in an award-winning futuristic black marble building, the Henry Moore Institute is a centre for international, contemporary and historical sculpture with collections, exhibitions, library and research centre.
The Institute also curates the British sculpture and archive collections of Leeds Museums and Galleries.
Henry Spencer Moore was an English sculptor and artist known worldwide for his abstract monumental bronze sculptures of the human form. Born in Castleford and the son of a mining engineer, he was responsible for introducing a form of modernism
to the UK. Although he became extremely wealthy through his work he devoted most of his money towards the Henry Moore Foundation, established in 1977 – now the UK’s most important artists’ foundation which supports education and the promotion of the contemporary arts. The Foundation has a special interest in Leeds, the city where Moore began his training as a sculptor at the Leeds School of Art (now Leeds College of Art).
Henry Spencer Moore was an English sculptor and artist known worldwide for his abstract monumental bronze sculptures of the human form. Born in Castleford and the son of a mining engineer, he was responsible for introducing a form of modernism
to the UK. Although he became extremely wealthy through his work he devoted most of his money towards the Henry Moore Foundation, established in 1977 – now the UK’s most important artists’ foundation which supports education and the promotion of the contemporary arts. The Foundation has a special interest in Leeds, the city where Moore began his training as a sculptor at the Leeds School of Art (now Leeds College of Art).
The Henry Moore Institute was established by the Henry Moore Foundation in 1982 in partnership with Leeds City Council as a resource devoted to sculpture. In 1993, the centre moved from Leeds City Art Gallery to the newly converted Henry Moore Institute next door and is connected to the gallery via a walkway so the public can access both buildings.
Admission is free and the Institute is open all year round.
Whereas the Henry Moore Foundation at Moore’s home in Perry Green in Hertfordshire devotes itself exclusively to exhibitions taken from the works of, and research on Moore himself, the Institute in Leeds is more concerned with showcasing works of all sculptors – national and international – and hosts exhibitions of the best in international, historical and contemporary sculpture whilst simultaneously running an active research and events programme.
Whereas the Henry Moore Foundation at Moore’s home in Perry Green in Hertfordshire devotes itself exclusively to exhibitions taken from the works of, and research on Moore himself, the Institute in Leeds is more concerned with showcasing works of all sculptors – national and international – and hosts exhibitions of the best in international, historical and contemporary sculpture whilst simultaneously running an active research and events programme.
The Institute manages the Leeds City Art Gallery’s outstanding collection of British sculpture. Concentrating predominantly on British sculpture from the second half of the 19th century onwards, the work of successive directors including Phillip Hendy (1934-45) and Robert Rowe (1958-83) has led to Leeds’ reputation throughout the world as a major centre for the appreciation and understanding of modern and contemporary sculpture.
Since its inception in 1982 the collection has doubled in size.
The Leeds Museum and Galleries hold 700 sculptures, dating from the 16th century and 350 works on paper by artists who were either more famous for their sculptures or who used the print-based medium for their pieces. With four gallery spaces set aside for the display of sculptures there are permanent and semi-permanent and temporary exhibitions with displays from artists including Jacob Epstein, Barbara Hepworth and of course, Henry Moore.
It is a wonderful place to experience the calm of standing in front of a beautiful work of art in tranquil rooms. In the main sculpture gallery, the large display is changed annually whereas The Study Galleries that adjoin the bridge to the Institute are used to exhibit small scale pieces. Exhibitions are complimented by an exciting programme of tours, talks and events.
The first floor includes archive, slide library and sculpture reference library and an important aspect of the Institute is the opportunity it offers for research. An open house atmosphere is encouraged whereby people with a common interest in sculpture can meet and debate and generate ideas.Enquiries are welcomed from academics and students with ideas for exhibitions and events. An evening talk series takes place three times a year as an accompaniment to current gallery exhibitions.
The library on the first floor contains 20,000 books, specialist journals, catalogues and pamphlets devoted to contemporary British sculpture dating from 1875 and there are rare books and journals from the 19th and 20th centuries with coverage of international sculpture, installation and conceptual art. There are also video, slides, sculptor’s files, auction catalogues and film works. On line resources include the notes of the controversial artist Helen Chadwick, available as eight three dimensional virtual notebooks.
The
Institute also houses and maintains the Leeds Museum and Galleries archive of sculptor’s papers covering 18th century to the present day. Located with the library, the archive represents a diverse range of papers relating to British sculptural practice with contributions of photos and drawings from influential names including Henry Hugh Armstead, Quentin Bell, Eric Gill, Laurence Bradshaw and Barbara Hepworth. In order to view the archives it’s necessary to make a prior appointment by letter, telephone or email.
The library on the first floor contains 20,000 books, specialist journals, catalogues and pamphlets devoted to contemporary British sculpture dating from 1875 and there are rare books and journals from the 19th and 20th centuries with coverage of international sculpture, installation and conceptual art. There are also video, slides, sculptor’s files, auction catalogues and film works. On line resources include the notes of the controversial artist Helen Chadwick, available as eight three dimensional virtual notebooks.
The
Institute also houses and maintains the Leeds Museum and Galleries archive of sculptor’s papers covering 18th century to the present day. Located with the library, the archive represents a diverse range of papers relating to British sculptural practice with contributions of photos and drawings from influential names including Henry Hugh Armstead, Quentin Bell, Eric Gill, Laurence Bradshaw and Barbara Hepworth. In order to view the archives it’s necessary to make a prior appointment by letter, telephone or email.
The Henry Moore Institute fosters and promotes artists and runs a residential fellowship programme whereby fellows are given access to all resources and internships are available, aimed at students from the University of Leeds, with an interest in sculpture.
There is also a shop with a wide range of books, gifts, catalogues and new publications.
Opening Times:
Open Monday to Sunday from 10.00am to 5.30pm and Wednesday late opening until 9.00pm
Closed Bank Holidays
Facilities:
Assistance Dogs Welcome, Gift Shop, Induction Loops, WC, Wheelchair Access
Address:
Henry Moore Institute
74 The Headrow
Leeds
LS1 3AH
Tel: 0113 234 3158
Reception: 0113 246 7467
Contact: hmi@henry-moore.ac.uk
The Henry Moore Institute Website