Archive of Sculptors' Papers
The Henry Moore Institute Archive of Sculptors’ Papers in Leeds is a rich and fascinating collection which tells the story of British sculpture. The Archive is free to use and all visitors are welcome.
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.
Closure notice
The library and archive are open by appointment only until summer 2024, while the Institute is undergoing refurbishment work.
Unfortunately, this means there will be access restrictions, 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.
What’s in the archive?
Our archive starts its story in the Victorian age and moves through to Henry Moore’s twentieth-century contemporaries. The collection is always growing, with new additions including the papers of sculptors working today, making a visit to our archive a must for anyone interested in British sculpture.
Archive collections
We are regularly in the process of acquiring and cataloguing collections of sculptors’ papers. Below are some highlights.
Helen Chadwick
Helen Chadwick (1953-96) was a British sculptor, photographer and installation artist. Her 130 box archive includes sketches, photographs, costume, notebooks and more.
Gertrude Hermes
Archive containing over 200 photos of the printmaker, sculptor, and designer Gertrude Hermes (1901-83), recording her studio, exhibitions, sculptures and architectural works.
Garth Evans
This collection documents Garth Evans’ (b. 1924) fellowship with the British Steel Corporation in 1969-71, his controversial ‘A Course’ and the Manydeed artist group.
Hamish Basil Macpherson
This unique collection comprises several car drawings made by sculptor Hamish Basil Macpherson (1915-2005) while working in the motor industry in the 1950s.
Book a visit
Please get in touch using the form below if you’d like to discuss visiting the archive or library while we are closed.
Stories from the Archive of Sculptors’ Papers
Delve deeper into the history of British art and uncover stories about the working lives of sculptors from the Victorian age to the present day.
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.
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