Henry Moore

Date of Birth: July 30, 1898

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: August 31, 1986

Biography

Henry Spencer Moore was born on July 30, 1898, in Castleford, West Yorkshire, England. He became one of the most significant British artists of the 20th century, primarily known for his monumental bronze sculptures. Moore’s early interest in art was sparked by his admiration for Michelangelo. He served in World War I, which left a profound impact on his work. After the war, Moore attended the Leeds School of Art and later the Royal College of Art in London. His style evolved from classical forms to more abstract and modernist sculptures. Moore was heavily influenced by primitive art, which he encountered in the British Museum. His works often feature reclining figures, mother-and-child themes, and abstract forms. Moore’s sculptures can be seen in public spaces and museums around the world, including the United States, Japan, and many European countries. He was also a prolific draughtsman, and his drawings provide insights into his creative process. Moore received numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Merit in 1963. Henry Moore passed away on August 31, 1986, at the age of 88, 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.

2. He was the first sculptor to have a solo exhibition at the Tate Gallery in London, held in 1951.

3. Moore’s works are often characterized by their use of holes and voids, which he described as giving the sculpture “inner form.”

4. He founded the Henry Moore Foundation in 1977 to promote fine arts education and support public art projects.

5. Moore’s work “Reclining Figure” (1951) was one of the first modern sculptures to be placed in a public space in Britain.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Moore

1. “I find in all the artists that I admire most a disturbing element, a distortion, giving evidence of a struggle.”

2. “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.”

3. “Art is the expression of imagination, not the duplication of reality.”

4. “The observation of nature is part of an artist’s life, it enlarges his form knowledge, keeps him fresh and from working only by formula, and feeds inspiration.”

5. “To be an artist is to believe in life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Henry Moore’s works were highly sought after and commanded substantial prices. At his peak, his net worth was estimated to be several million pounds, although exact figures are difficult to ascertain.