Visit Reports
Moore at Hatfield House 6th July 2011
It was not the balmy July evening we had hoped for, but it was dry and, from time to time, the late afternoon sun shone through
to bring a glow to Henry Moore’s striking bronzes in the West garden at Hatfield House.
After we had gathered in the Old Palace, our two excellent guides from the Henry Moore Foundation led us round almost all the exhibits,
giving us a detailed insight into the life of the sculptor; his works, now found worldwide; and the work of the Foundation at Perry Green.
Their knowledge and enthusiasm added immeasurably to our enjoyment. Many of Moore’s sculptures are of ‘reclining figures’ and ‘mother and child’.
I was fascinated to hear that much of the inspiration for these had come from his ‘shelter drawings’- the sketches he had made in the underground
stations, during the Second World War, of families with their children seeking refuge from the Blitz.
There are 15 sculptures, 14 bronzes and one large white figure made from fibreglass. Clearly much thought had gone into selecting
the most appropriate location for each major work. Some are to be found in the formal gardens, some in the wilder shrubbery and
others with the House itself posing as an historic backdrop. From the photographs taken on the day, one can see how impressive they
are and why we all found it such a rewarding visit.
Carole Sugden July 2011