Early Life and Education
Moore was born in Castleford, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, to Mary Baker and Raymond Spencer Moore. His father, an autodidact with a passion for music and literature, encouraged his sons to pursue formal education.
Henry Moore attended infant and elementary schools in Castleford, where he began modelling in clay and carving in wood.
Artistic Development and Style
- Moore's earliest recorded carvings, such as the plaque for the Scott Society at Castleford Secondary School, date back to his early teenage years.
- He later adopted the method of direct carving, which became a hallmark of his style, as seen in works like The Virgin and Child.
- Moore's forms are usually abstractions of the human figure, typically depicting mother-and-child or reclining figures, with many interpreters likening the undulating form of his reclining figures to the landscape and hills of his birthplace, Yorkshire.
Notable Works and Legacy
- Moore's semi-abstract monumental bronze sculptures are located around the world as public works of art, showcasing his exceptional skill and contribution to modern British sculpture.
- His ability to fulfill large-scale commissions made him exceptionally wealthy, yet he lived frugally, with most of his earnings going towards endowing the Henry Moore Foundation, which continues to support education and promotion of the arts.
- Moore's works can be found in various museums, including The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art, which features an impressive array of modern and contemporary art from Britain and beyond.
Links to Relevant Pages on WahooArt.com
Further Reading on Wikipedia