Archive of Sculptors' Papers
The Henry Moore Institute Archive of Sculptors’ Papers in Leeds is a rich and fascinating collection which tells the story of British sculpture. The Archive is free to use and all visitors are welcome.
The working lives of hundreds of sculptors are captured in their photographs, letters, drawings and sketchbooks, alongside film, digital records and even tools and costume.
What’s in the archive?
Our archive starts its story in the Victorian age and moves through to Henry Moore’s twentieth-century contemporaries. The collection is always growing, with new additions including the papers of sculptors working today, making a visit to our archive a must for anyone interested in British sculpture.
Archive collections
We are regularly in the process of acquiring and cataloguing collections of sculptors’ papers. Below are some highlights.
Betty Rea
Betty Rea’s (1904-65) archive gives a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s practice and the social and political world she inhabited, with letters, a sketchbook and over 200 photos.
Gertrude Hermes
Archive containing over 200 photos of the printmaker, sculptor, and designer Gertrude Hermes (1901-83), recording her studio, exhibitions, sculptures and architectural works.
Garth Evans
This collection documents Garth Evans’ (born 1924) fellowship with the British Steel Corporation in 1969-71, his controversial ‘A Course’ and the Manydeed artist group.
Hamish Basil Macpherson
This unique collection comprises several car drawings made by sculptor Hamish Basil Macpherson (1915-2005) while working in the motor industry in the 1950s.
Book a visit
The archive is free to use, but visits must be booked in advance so that we can get items ready for viewing.
Visits can be booked Tuesday to Friday, 10:00–17:00.
Stories from the Archive of Sculptors’ Papers
Delve deeper into the history of British art and uncover stories about the working lives of sculptors from the Victorian age to the present day.
Online research resources
Collaboration is at the heart of our research programme.
We have jointly funded and collaborated in a number of initiatives intended to consolidate primary resources for the study of sculpture.
Visit us
The Henry Moore Institute
Experience, study and enjoy sculpture from around the world in the centre of Leeds.
74 The Headrow
Leeds
LS1 3AH
United Kingdom
T: 01132 467 467
E: reception@henry-moore.org
