The ‘Reclining Woman: Elbow 1981’ sculpture has been a fixture of Leeds city centre since 1982 after being loaned to the gallery by the Henry Moore Institute.
The sculpture has vacated its spot to be featured in a new exhibition at Kew Gardens in London, where it will remain until January 31 2027 before returning to Leeds.
After being removed yesterday (Wednesday), a spokesperson for the institute said: “Today we say a fond au revoir to Henry Moore’s Reclining Woman: Elbow 1981.
“The iconic sculpture by the Castleford-born artist has been on long-term loan from the Henry Moore Foundation since 1982.
The work will first travel to the Foundation for conservation, before going on display in Henry Moore: Monumental Nature @kewgardens (24 May 2026 – 31 January 2027), ahead of its return to Leeds.
“Travel safe, old friend.”
It comes just weeks after another famous sculpture of Leeds city centre - the ‘Cancara’ horse sculpture outside Lloyds Banking Group - was removed from the city altogether.
Check out our gallery below of the sculpture being removed.
1. Reclining Woman
Henry Moore's Reclining Woman Sculpture was produced in 1981. | Tony Johnson
2. A Leeds fixture
The sculpture has been placed outside of Leeds Art Gallery since 1982. | Tony Johnson
3. Personally selected
The piece was personally selected by Castleford-born Moore to go on display when an extension of the sculpture gallery was carried out. | Tony Johnson
4. "Iconic"
The "iconic" sculpture by the Castleford-born artist has been on long-term loan from the Henry Moore Foundation. | Tony Johnson
5. World famous
Born in Castleford in 1898, Moore's works are displayed all over the world. | Tony Johnson
6. Semi-abstract
Moore is best known for his semi-abstract monumental bronzes and undulating reclining figures. | Tony Johnson