Henry Moore Sculpting The 20th Century

Henry Moore (1898-1986) is arguably one of the most famous and beloved sculptors of the twentieth century, yet in recent decades his work has fallen out of favor in the world of contemporary art criticism. This handsome book examines this intriguing contradiction and seeks to reassess Moore's crucial contribution to art of the last century. Looking at Moore's early engagements with primitivism, his 1930s dialogue with abstraction and surrealism, and his postwar interest in large-scale public sculpture, the authors show how the sculptor helped to define some of the most significant aspects of modernism. The authors also contextualize within the polemics of early modernism Moore's emphasis on direct carving instead of modeling and the necessary balance between abstraction and what he called the "psychological human element". Moore's early sculpture -- largely unfamiliar to the general public -- is given particular attention, enabling the reader to explore the evolution of thematic and formal elements in his work and his ongoing response to different materials. Photographs, some by Moore himself, of over 120 works, including plasters, maquettes, carvings, bronzes, and drawings, are featured, many of which are previously unpublished.

"For both admirers and students of Henry Moore's work, this book will be a blessing. Moore's humanity and intelligence make this compendium a plea-sure to dip into as well as scholarly and comprehensive."--Roger Berthoud, author of The Life of Henry Moore "Alan Wilkinson has trawled the rich material with exemplary thoroughness.... The nature and purpose of Moore's writing is illuminated. The introduction reflects Wilkinson's long friendship with Moore, and the commentary and notes testify to a remarkable knowledge of the artist's work, his circle and his ideas."--Sir Alan Bowness, editor of the Henry Moore Complete Sculpture Series

Henry Moore is one of the greatest and best known sculptors of our time. His work, spanning half a century, shows a remarkable creative continuum not only in the development of his themes and the refinement of technical skill, but also in the astounding fertility of his genius.

Henry Spencer Moore (1898-1986) was arguably the most influential British sculptor of the twentieth century. Brought up in Castleford in Yorkshire, Moore ended his life completing commissions for large-scale public sculptures in countries around the world. The scale of Moore's success in later life has tended to obscure the radical nature of his achievement. Rejecting the influence of his teachers and inspired by works from other cultures he saw in museums, Moore championed direct carving, evolving abstract sculptures derived from the human body. He was involved in the modernist Seven and Give Society and later in Unit One. Written by Henry Moore in the 1930s, these three powerful, polemical texts lay out his ideas about sculpture, calling for truth to materials, openness to other sculptural traditions and understanding of the importance of scale. Illustrated with archival photographs and with an introduction by his daughter Mary Moore, this book gives new insights into Moore's working methods and inspiration and speaks directly to artists today.

Henry Moore's reputation as one of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century is unassailable. But his words, both written and spoken, are often as thought-provoking, as moving, and as profound as his works. Few sculptors have spoken as eloquently as Moore has about their art; none with the same modesty, candour, and charm. What Moore has to say about his own sculptures, the work of other artists, his full and active life, and the craft of sculpture in general will prove to be of deep and enduring interest to all sculptors, artists, and those interested in modern art.