Sculpture research programme
The Henry Moore Institute’s sculpture research programme places sculpture at the centre of current art historical scholarship and actively encourages new research.
Sculpture research at the Henry Moore Institute operates across disciplines and art forms, engaging with performance, drawing, photography or architecture, or with wider fields such as politics or anthropology.
We pride ourselves on being a hub of contact and exchange, generating and supporting research networks that extend beyond the confines of academia.
Research seasons
Each year our research programme is organised into specific areas of enquiry, explored through themed Research Seasons. Each season includes a range of research events, conferences, lectures, film screenings and discussions, designed to showcase new thinking on different aspects of sculpture.
Brâncuşi and Britain
Spring & Summer 2024
This Research Season encourages scholars and practising artists to reconsider Constantin Brâncuşi (1876-1957) and his impact amongst British artists, writers, and thinkers.
Explore our previous research seasons, and watch recordings of talks, conferences and performances.
See all previous research seasons
Upcoming conferences and events
Early career research symposium
Modern Sculpture, Essence, and Difference: Reflections on the Work of Constantin Brâncuşi
Book Now
Curatorial discussion
Ariane Coulondre and Matthew Gale
18:00–19:00
Book your free ticket
Conference
Brâncuşi, Britain and the Idea of Modern Sculpture
Book Now
Research opportunities
Find out how you can get involved with our research programme.
Visiting research fellowships
Our fellowships enable artists and researchers to develop their work, spending a month in Leeds using our resources.
Applications for our next round of fellowships will open in spring 2024.
Calls for papers
We hold conferences on a range of sculpture topics at the Institute in Leeds, Studios & Gardens in Hertfordshire, and with external partner venues.
Modern Sculpture, Essence, and Difference: Reflections on the Work of Constantin Brâncuşi
Call for papers
Early career research symposium, to take place:
The Courtauld Institute of Art, London
Friday 26 April 2024
Deadline to apply:
Monday 15 January 2024, 17:00
Brâncuşi, Britain and the Idea of Modern Sculpture
Call for papers
Conference, to take place:
Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Hertfordshire
Thursday 27 June 2024
Deadline to apply:
Friday 1 March 2024, 17:00
Dissertation Prize
Open to BA and MA students of all disciplines, each year we award two prizes for outstanding writing on contemporary, modern or historical sculpture.
Applications are now open for our 2023 Dissertation Prize.
Deadline to apply: Monday 11 December.
Our research facilities
We encourage researchers at all levels to seek our advice and make use of our world-class archive, library and sculpture collections in Leeds.
Please note that the library and archive are open by appointment only while refurbishment work at the Henry Moore Institute is taking place.
Unfortunately, this means there will be access restrictions until summer 2024, which will make it difficult to accommodate everyone.
If you are a researcher who would like to use our resources while the building is closed, please first browse our online library collection and archive catalogue, then contact the Archivist and Librarian to discuss your needs in advance.
Sculpture Research Library
With more than 30,000 books, exhibition catalogues, journals and audio-visual items, the library is an outstanding resource for studying sculpture.
Archive of Sculptors’ Papers
The working lives of hundreds of sculptors are captured in their photographs, letters, drawings and sketchbooks, alongside film, digital records and even tools and costume.
Leeds sculpture collection
We oversee the development of Leeds Museums and Galleries’ sculpture collections, a partnership that has built one of the strongest collections of British sculpture in the country.
Online research resources
Collaboration is at the heart of our research programme.
We have jointly funded and collaborated in a number of initiatives intended to consolidate primary resources for the study of sculpture.
Essays on Sculpture
Essays on Sculpture is the journal of the Henry Moore Institute, tacking a diverse range of subjects, disciplines and styles to investigate the important role that sculpture plays in the world at large.
Visit us
Henry Moore Institute
The Henry Moore Institute is currently closed for refurbishment until summer 2024.
74 The Headrow
Leeds
LS1 3AH
United Kingdom
T: 01132 467 467
E: reception@henry-moore.org
