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.
About the artist
In addition to being a skilful practitioner of graphic art, Gertrude Hermes (1901-83) wished to be remembered for her sculpture. Some of her best work is found among her carvings and bronzes.
The twin themes of fecundity and duality characterise her art. Hermes was a strong woman; without independent means, she courageously maintained her artistic practice while raising three children alone after the breakdown of her marriage.
What’s in the collection?
The main part of the archive consists of over 200 photographs of Hermes and her work, dated 1920-90. These record her sculptures and architectural work, such as the fountain at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon, 1931.
There are also photographs of Hermes at exhibitions, in her studio and with friends and a drawing by Hugh Cromyn of Hermes working on her sculpture Two in One c.1937, which is in the Leeds Museums & Galleries sculpture collection (Acc. No. 2000.0016).
Further material includes sixteen press cuttings, 1928-99; over thirty exhibition catalogues and private view cards, 1932-80; and other printed material relating to Hermes, 1932-97.
One of the most interesting discussions documented in the collection is a series of letters between Hermes and the Royal Academy in 1966, about why women Academicians were not allowed to dine with the men.
The archive includes notes on the sculptor made by her daughter, Judith Russell. These complement research notes on Hermes bequeathed to the HMI Archive by David Brown (1925-2002), compiled for his catalogue essay to accompany the Royal Academy of Arts exhibition on Gertrude Hermes in 1981.
Search the archive catalogue
Find more information about the Gertrude Hermes archive in our online catalogue.
Related exhibitions
The Sculpture Collections
22 March – 26 August 2018
Across the Henry Moore Institute and Leeds Art Gallery
Celebrating a thirty-six year partnership that has built one of the strongest collections of British sculpture in the world, this exhibition showcases the best of the Leeds Sculpture Collections.
Sculpture in the Home
1 October 2008 – 4 January 2009
Upper Sculpture Study Gallery
Re-staging a post-war initiative that endeavoured to make sculpture part of everyday life, displaying contemporary sculptures in gallery installations suggestive of modern domestic interiors.
Other Criteria: Sculpture in 20th Century Britain
26 September 2003 – 28 March 2004
Main Galleries
Taking stock of one hundred years of British sculpture, Other Criteria celebrates the diversity and ambition of art in this field.
Shine: sculpture and surface in the 1920s and 30s
16 February – 12 May 2002
Upper Sculpture Study Gallery
What does it mean for a sculpture to shine? This exhibition explores how a sculpture’s surface can communicate its maker’s intent and illustrate concepts of movement, music and value.
Visiting the Archive of Sculptors’ Papers
The archive is free to use, but visits must be booked in advance so that we can get items ready for viewing.
Visits can be booked Tuesday to Friday, 10:00–17:00.
Book a visit
Getting here
Henry Moore Institute
74 The Headrow
Leeds
LS1 3AH
United Kingdom
T: 01132 467 467
E: institute@henry-moore.org
