Henry Moore

Date of Birth: July 30, 1898

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: August 31, 1986

Biography

Henry Spencer Moore was an English artist and sculptor, renowned for his semi-abstract monumental bronze sculptures, which are located around the world as public works of art. Born on July 30, 1898, in Castleford, West Yorkshire, England, Moore became one of the most significant and influential sculptors of the 20th century. His works are characterized by their abstract forms and the incorporation of voids and hollows, which often draw inspiration from the human figure, nature, and the landscapes of his native Yorkshire. Moore’s early education in art began at the Leeds School of Art in 1919, where he developed his skills and interests in sculpture. He later attended the Royal College of Art in London, where he was influenced by the works of ancient and medieval sculpture, as well as contemporary artists such as Pablo Picasso and Constantin Brâncuși. Throughout his career, Moore received numerous awards and accolades, including the International Sculpture Prize at the Venice Biennale in 1948. His works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Tate Gallery in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Moore’s influence extends beyond his sculptures; he was also an accomplished draughtsman and printmaker. He passed away on August 31, 1986, in Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, England.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Moore

1. Henry Moore served in the British Army during World War I and was injured in a gas attack at the Battle of Cambrai in 1917.

2. He was the seventh of eight children born to Raymond Spencer Moore and Mary Baker.

3. Moore was known for his large-scale public commissions, including the “Reclining Figure” series, which can be found in cities worldwide.

4. In 1972, Moore established the Henry Moore Foundation to promote education and appreciation of the visual arts.

5. Despite his global fame, Moore remained deeply connected to his Yorkshire roots and often cited the landscape as a significant influence on his work.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Moore

1. “The secret of life is to have a task, something you devote your entire life to, something you bring everything to, every minute of the day for your whole life. And the most important thing is, it must be something you cannot possibly do.”

2. “Sculpture is an art of the open air. Daylight, sunlight, is necessary to it, and for me, its best setting and complement is nature.”

3. “There is no retirement for an artist, it’s your way of living so there is no end to it.”

4. “Art is not to do with the practical side of making a living. It’s to live a fuller human life.”

5. “One never knows what each day is going to bring. The important thing is to be open and ready for it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Henry Moore’s estimated net worth was around $25 million, primarily from his sculptures and public commissions.

Children

Henry Moore and his wife, Irina Radetzky, had one daughter, Mary Moore, born in 1946. Mary has been actively involved in preserving and promoting her father’s legacy through the Henry Moore Foundation.