Shaping a Century: Works by Modern British Sculptors

06 Feb – 27 Mar 2016

We are delighted to announce an exhibition in the Gallery of important works by some of the most significant British artists of the twentieth century. By juxtaposing diverse works from the 1950s onwards, this new show will examine the contribution of British sculptors which helped shape an art that was truly international in scope and significance.

A particular highlight of the exhibition is a large tapestry by Henry Moore; entitled 'Three Seated Figures' (1974), it was made by Brose Patrick Studios in Scotland after an original drawing from 1944. 'Three Seated Figures' is one of only seven tapestries Moore had made in Scotland; a further twenty three were made at West Dean in Sussex. The idea of Henry Moore's collaborations with tapestry studios was first suggested by the artist's daughter Mary. The designs for the tapestries were taken from earlier drawings, which Moore carefully selected, and which were then enlarged up to ten times their original size. They depict a series of typical motifs including reclining women, the mother and child and the seated figure. A family subject was chosen as a main theme following the birth of Moore's first grandchild.

Alongside 'Three Seated Figures' the exhibition will feature works by Henry Moore's peers alongside examples by artists from successive generations. Shaping a Century will therefore include key works by Robert Adams, Kenneth Armitage, Clive Barker, Reg Butler, Anthony Caro, Hubert Dalwood, Phillip King, Victor Pasmore and William Turnbull amongst others, as well as important sculptures, drawings and prints by Barbara Hepworth. Each artist in this exhibition has contributed to the development of sculpture, both formally and materially, and each work demonstrates that sculpture of the last century remains an enduring and provocative art form.