Time to explore the Toronto connection of renowned British sculptor Henry Moore, whose semi-abstract monumental bronze sculptures are located around the world as public works of art.
The Art Gallery of Ontario has the world’s largest public collection of Henry Moore works (sculptures, works on papers and maquettes), mostly donated by the artist between 1971-1974. The Henry Moore Sculpture Centre at the AGO opened in 1974 and has remained an iconic Toronto space ever since. (Above, Moore’s iconic Large Two Forms 1966-1969 before it was moved.)
This five-minute video is a superb look at Henry Moore’s connection to Toronto, and his monumental impact on modern art. It was produced to mark the 50th anniversary of the Henry Moore Centre.
Brian Jungen’s Couch Monster was installed in 2022 at the AGO where Henry Moore’s Large Two Forms once sat. (Moore’s AGO work by the way is sometimes identified as the inspiration for Murray McLauchlan’s iconic song about Toronto: “Down by the Henry Moore” here. However the songwriter is believed to have meant the Henry Moore at City Hall.)
Henry Moore made his first visit to Toronto in 1967 to see his work, colloquially known as The Archer but officially called Three Way Piece No.2: Archer (below). The Finnish architect Viljo Revell had asked Moore to create a sculpture in keeping with the flowing lines of Revell’s new Toronto City Hall on Nathan Phillips Square. The sculpture, although controversial when purchased in 1966, is considered an important part of Toronto’s civic heritage
At the Art Gallery of Ontario, sculpture has long been associated with the gallery’s outdoor spaces. Earlier this week, the gallery unveiled Moments Contained (2022), a massive bronze figure by acclaimed British artist Thomas J. Price, in front of the main entrance (see that article here).
Henry Spencer Moore OM CH FBA (1898 – 1986) stands beside his sculpture “Seated Nude” on display as part of the “Art 70” show in Basel, Switzerland, June 9, 1970. Moore represented Britain in the show.
The Henry Moore Sculpture Centre at the AGO turned 50 in 2024, read more here.
More on the AGO sculpture centre, here.
The Henry Moore Foundation, here.
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I used to watch people interacting with “Large Two Forms” when it was out front. As an AGO volunteer, I was horrified at all that touching of artwork; yet I was also deeply moved and delighted to see how much people simple loved that work. They loved it, trusted it, patted it, sat on it, leaned against it, relaxed with it, slid their children through the arches… Similar situation, Michael Dennis’ “Reclining Figure” here in Vancouver (aka “The Dude” in the park we now call by that name). These works are never (to my knowledge) defaced, just instinctively and deeply deeply loved. (And yes, their patination at risk because of that love.) They become part of who we are. That’s powerful.
So powerful. True. And you’d see the same now with Couch Monster, same spot. Although it’s a compleltely different experience / texture.
Nice video and interesting how they keep the outdoor sculptures in good shape. His work is beautiful and everyone must want to touch it.
Yes you’re right . . . everyone does want to touch. That’s part of the experience, I think, that you can touch. Great observations..