Leeds Art Gallery 'exploring possibilities' of replacement of 'iconic' Henry Moore sculpture after removal
Leeds Art Gallery has issued an update after the removal of an “iconic” statue that has sat proudly outside of the building for over 40 years.
The ‘Reclining Woman: Elbow 1981’ sculpture was removed from outside of the gallery earlier this month so that it can be featured in an exhibition at Kew Gardens in London.
The languidly perched, curved piece has been a fixture outside of The Headrow building since 1982, havingbeing loaned to the gallery by the Henry Moore Institute.
.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
The sculpture will remain in London until January 31, 2027, before returning to Leeds.
Residents have questioned whether a temporary sculpture will be put in place on the vacant plinth. In response, a spokesperson for the gallery has said that they “are exploring possibilities to present another sculpture in this prominent location”.
Henry Moore was born in Castleford in 1898 and became renowned for his semi-abstract bronze sculptures, which are publicly displayed around the world.
He visited Leeds to help decide on where ‘Reclining Woman: Elbow 1981’ would be placed. It was one of the final large scale figures created by Moore before his death in 1986.
The sculpture will be featured in the Henry Moore: Monumental Nature exhibition at Kew Gardens from May 9.