Awaken the senses with series of summer workshops at Henry Moore Studios and Gardens for all the family
A series of drop-in events at Henry Moore Studios and Gardens is stimulating the senses for visitors.
The summer programme at the Perry Green attraction near Much Hadham draws inspiration from Moore’s lifelong fascination with natural forms and his constant aspiration to forge a stronger connection between his artworks and natural surroundings.
The sculptor lived and worked at the studios from 1940 until his death in 1986 and during that time acquired over 70 acres of land in which to display his famous exhibits.
A popular activity for visitors is Open Archives, which enables people to drop in without booking and will be held from 2pm to 4.30pm on Wednesday September 25.
People can explore the development of Henry and Irina Moore’s home, the studios and surrounding landscape over nearly half a century. Using archive material, including photos, letters and Moore’s own writings, discover how he was inspired by his surroundings, by the colours, wildlife, skies and seasons, and how the Moores developed the land while preserving its natural boundaries.
On Saturday August 24, three artists – Abid Javed, Tessa Silva and Marek Pitera – will give Sculpting Stories talks.
On Wednesday August 28, there will be an archive film screening. Said a spokesperson: “Discover the wealth of footage in the Henry Moore archive. Showcasing the theme of sculpture and nature, the archive team will share a selection of fascinating film excerpts, including amateur silent cinefilm footage shot by Moore’s foreman Frank Farnham and documentary material produced for British and American television.”
These events require no booking. Bookable workshops then follow with Family-Friendly Field Recording with Alice Boyd on Sunday August 11, from 11.30am to 1pm.
The idea is for participants to explore and capture the unique sounds of Moore’s sculpture gardens with sound artist Alice Boyd.
The session is £3 per person and is suitable for families with children age 5+. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Later the same day, from 2pm to 3.30pm, Alice will hold another field recording workshop on capturing the unique sonic environment of the gardens.
Said the spokesperson: “Alice will introduce you to essential field recording techniques, as well as tips for capturing ambient sounds and subtle nuances of the natural world.
“By the end of the session, you will have experimented with field recording, created group soundscapes and gained insights into the art of listening and recording as a powerful tool for creative expression and environmental awareness.”
This session is aimed at adults and young people aged 16+, is suitable for all skill levels, but is particularly focused on beginners. Both can be booked online at https://henry-moore.org/whats-on/field-recording-with-alice-boyd/.
The Life Sculpting workshop on August 16 has sold out, but another event has been added on Thursdays August 22 and 29 called Gather and Sculpt, where visitors can create their own works of art amid Moore’s sculptures using an array of natural, reclaimed and recycled materials.
Two sessions will run, from 11.30am to 1pm and 2pm-3.30pm. This is suitable for children aged 3+ and their families and entry is included in an annual ticket to the studios and gardens.
