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Henry Moore Studios & Gardens in Hertfordshire is currently closed for winter, reopening in April 2025.

See & Do

Outdoor display

Vitality: The Human Landscapes of Henry Moore

Studios & Gardens, Hertfordshire

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A bronze sculpture in the form of an abstracted reclining figure sited in a green landscape in summer.

For Moore, nature and the human body were sources of vitality, expressions of life-force which he could harness in his work, uniting and concentrating their vital energy.

Although his forms often appear abstract, Moore was fundamentally a figurative artist, and the human body remained his core concern throughout his life. In his maquette studio, he surrounded himself with natural forms – bones, stones, shells and driftwood – which he transformed into figures through the addition of clay, plasticine and plaster. When he enlarged these works and placed them outside, the rise and fall of the body – knees, breasts, and shoulders – echoed the forms of the land.

Moore enhanced the relationship of his works to their environment by incorporating space within them. He broke the figure into multiple parts and pierced his sculptures to create holes, making space a part of the sculpture and bringing the landscape into the very form of the work.

In 2023, more than twenty monumental bronzes inspired by natural and human forms are displayed in the landscape surrounding the studios where Moore developed ideas. Multi-part reclining figures are joined by some of his purest organic abstractions and works exploring his most iconic themes: the mother and child, the reclining figure, and the juxtaposition of internal and external forms.

A black and white photo showing an older man working on a sculpture made from white plaster of paris
Henry Moore working on the plaster for 'Two Piece Reclining Figure: Points' (LH 606) c. 1969-70. Photo: Errol Jackson.

Events at Studios & Gardens

This summer we are celebrating the theme of Vitality: The Human Landscapes of Henry Moore with a series of practitioner-led activities designed for different ages, abilities and interests. Join us to participate in workshopping, walking, talking, digital interactions and drop-in events.

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Tickets

The Vitality exhibition is included in your ticket to Henry Moore Studios & Gardens.

Annual tickets

Visit Studios & Gardens as many times as you like during our open season. Each ticket is valid for 12 calendar months.

Adults:  £19.50
Students: £11.00
Children (5-18):  £9.00
Under 5s: FREE

Pension / Universal Credit: £1.00
Pensioner: £17.50
Family (1 adult and 3 children): £32.00
Family (2 adults and 3 children): £49.00

Support our work, at no extra cost, by adding Gift Aid when you buy your ticket.

Plan your visit

 

Visitor season

5 April to 29 October 2023

 

Opening times

Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays, 11:00–17:00
October only, 11:00–16:00

 

Henry Moore Archive

Monday to Friday, by appointment

 

Plan your visit

Getting here