Henry Moore's sketchbooks
From the 1920s, Moore used sketchbooks to make studies of sculptures and animals and to record ideas for his own sculptures, drawings and textile designs. Many of these were later disbanded.
Browse digital reproductions of Moore’s notebooks and sketchbooks below.
History of Sculpture Notebook, 1920
The History of Sculpture Notebook 1920 was completed whilst Moore was a student at the Royal College of Art, making regular visits to the British Museum and the V&A.
See details of History of Sculpture Notebook in our online collection
Notebook No.2, 1921-22
Moore completed Notebook No.2 whilst studying at the Royal College of Art. Its pages contain notes on RCA assignments alongside sketches for sculptural ideas.
Notebook No.6, 1926
This early sketchbook, Notebook No.6, completed in 1926, contains a number of studies of early sculpture, likely from Moore’s frequent visits to the British Museum, alongside vivid animal studies of birds, fish and dogs.
West Wind Sketchbook, 1928
In West Wind Sketchbook 1928, Moore develops design ideas for his first public commission, a carving for the headquarters of London Transport, 55 Broadway, London.
See details of West Wind Sketchbook in our online collection
Coalmining Notebook A, 1941-42
In August 1941 Moore was commissioned by the War Artists’ Advisory Committee to draw a series of coalmining scenes in Wheldale Colliery, Yorkshire, where his father had worked previously.
See details of Coalmining Notebook A in our online collection
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Our online catalogue contains details of over 13,000 sculptures, drawings, tapestries, textiles and graphic works by Henry Moore.