The Artist and His Legacy
Henry Moore (1898–1986) was a leading figure in British modernist sculpture, known globally for his large-scale bronzes and semi-abstract interpretations of the human form. Born in Castleford, Yorkshire, Moore served in the First World War before training at Leeds School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London. He rose to international prominence in the mid-20th century, and his work is now displayed in public collections and open spaces across the world.
In 1940, Moore and his wife Irina relocated to Perry Green, Hertfordshire, to escape the Blitz. What began as a rural refuge soon became a creative centre. Over the following decades, Moore built a network of studios and workshops across the property, where he created many of his most important works. Today, these spaces form the core of the Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, operated by the Henry Moore Foundation since 1977.
A Landmark in Art History
Perry Green is more than just a museum site. It is the place where Moore developed his sculptural language and worked on commissions that redefined public art in the UK and Internationally. From his explorations of mother-and-child motifs to his monumental reclining figures, the grounds allow visitors to experience Moore’s sculptures in the landscape settings he envisioned for them.
Alongside the gardens and studios, the site also preserves Moore’s family home, Hoglands, which remains as he left it: filled with artworks, books, and ethnographic objects that influenced his thinking. The visitor experience offers a rare, immersive look at the life of an artist deeply connected to his surroundings.
What to Expect
The summer reopening includes access to Moore’s studios, Hoglands, and over 70 sculptures placed throughout the 70-acre estate. An exhibition inside the visitor centre features drawings, maquettes and archive material, offering context on Moore’s working process. Guided tours, audio interpretation and family trails are available to help deepen visitors’ understanding of Moore’s practice and his contribution to British art.
Visitors can also explore materials the Henry Moore Archive and Moore’s tapestries in the reconstructed 16th century Aisled Barn.
The Foundation continues to run workshops and educational programmes throughout the season, welcoming schools, researchers and artists to explore both gardening and sculpture themselves. The site’s blend of art, history and landscape continues to make it a key cultural landmark in Hertfordshire and an essential visit for anyone interested in modern sculpture.
References
Henry Moore Foundation Website [Accessed 08 May 2025]
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, 2025. Henry Moore. [Accessed 08 May 2025]
Banner Artwork : Two Piece Reclining Figure: Points, 1969-70 · Henry Moore · Bronze · Henry Moore Studio and Gardens · Photo © The Thomas-Ferdinand Gallery
