500,000 expected for Moore show at Kew Gardens

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Unique: One of the many eye-catching scupltures by Henry Moore

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An exhibition of 28 huge sculptures by Henry Moore opens at Kew Gardens this weekend.

The show is of a scale never seen in London in a landscape setting.

Anita Feldman, curator at the Henry Moore Foundation, which is lending most of the works, said: "There's a general feeling people have that they're familiar with Moore but they mostly come across his work in urban settings.

"The artist himself generally created the pieces for siting in landscape.

"It was always his preference and we want to show how the work benefits from siting in landscape, how it changes the public's perception.

"The sculptures change so much anyway, through seasons and the light."

Highlights include a white fibreglass reclining figure that is little-known.

The original model, or maquette, was created in 1938, but it was not cast until late in Moore's career. He died in 1986, aged 88.

Only 10,000 people a year can visit the Foundation at Perry Green, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, due its small size and location.

So Ms Feldman is delighted as many as 500,000 will see Moore's works on show at Kew.

She said: "I think the exhibition is stunning. It's very exciting. We can't have coachloads of people coming to Perry Green."

Professor Stephen Hopper, director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, said they were delighted to be hosting the show.

He continued: "Henry Moore was not only one of the 20th century's greatest sculptors but he also took his inspiration from nature.

"The unique landscape of Kew Gardens provides a fitting backdrop for his work."

The exhibition, supported by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, runs until 30 March next year. There is no extra charge on top of normal admission.

www.kew.org/henry-moore

 

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