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New activities engage children in art of sculpture

Louise Parry
BBC News, Hertfordshire
Min Young Lim A large bronze sculpture, about three times the height of an adult human, sited on a round stone base among a lawn and trees. A boy runs around it while four other children explore the sculpture.Min Young Lim
Colossal sculptures are on display at the Hertfordshire home of 20th Century artist Henry Moore

A set of new activities for families is aiming to excite children about the world of sculpture.

Henry Moore Studios and Gardens has appointed a family engagement co-ordinator at Perry Green in Hertfordshire, where the world-renowned artist spent the end of his life.

Visitors can explore 25 "monumental works" outdoors, while children can take part in workshops and interactive trails.

"It's all about sparking curiosity, encouraging imagination and creating memorable experiences that families can enjoy together," said Nick Bullions, head of visitor engagement.

Min Young Lim A very large grey / green coloured arch-shaped sculpture set on a grass lawn surrounded by trees. Five children jump high beneath the archway, wearing summer clothes. It is a sunny day.Min Young Lim
Children can take part in the Great Easter Flint Hunt, as Henry Moore was inspired by the natural form of flint

Moore was born in Castleford, West Yorkshire, in 1898, and later moved to the village of Perry Green.

He is best known for his bronze sculptures but he also made carvings, drawings, prints and designed textiles and tapestries.

Moore's key themes included reclining figures, mother and child and multi-part sculptures, the Henry Moore Foundation said.

It has recently installed nine sculptures at the open-air exhibition, two of which have never been displayed at Perry Green before.

"This season marks one of the most extensive outdoor displays of Henry Moore's work in the world," the foundation said.

Henry Moore Foundation A set of concrete blocks with a sculpture on top, that is fairly green looking. A human lies on their back with their chest and head elevated, and an arm propping them up. A large disc is behind their head, possibly representing a military helmet.Henry Moore Foundation
Fallen Warrior is one of the sculptures on show for the first time at the estate in Perry Green

Children's activities are included in the price of tickets to the visitor attraction.

Mr Bullions said the organisation was "passionate about making Moore's work accessible and engaging for all ages".

"We're helping visitors connect with Moore's art on their own terms," he said.

"This year, we've made a real investment in welcoming families by appointing a dedicated family engagement co-ordinator.

"Their role is focused entirely on creating meaningful, enjoyable experiences for children and their families—whether that's through hands-on workshops, interactive trails, or imaginative ways to explore Moore's art and landscape."

Henry Moore Foundation A humungous bronze statue set on a green field in the countryside, with sheep and trees in the far distance. It is a stylised representation of a human sitting down with their arms holding them up, and breasts on show. The sky behind is hazy and blue.Henry Moore Foundation
Moore often sculptured stylised people such as Large Reclining Figure

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