On this day (the 31st of August) 1986, Henry Moore sadly passed away.
Born in 1898, Moore developed as a sculptor and artist in the 1920’s and 1930’s. During WW2 he mainly focused on drawings. After the conflict he was commissioned to make a variety of works for buildings, including hospitals.
He was world renowned for the diverse range of creations. Eventually he formed the Henry Moore Foundation to help build and maintain interest and engagement with the artistic world.
While based in Much Hadham, Moore made an important contribution to our town’s history; records from the archives show he petitioned to maintain the Corn Exchange on account of its’ architectural and historical value. At the time the Council, which had owned the building since 1959 after it has ceased to function as a trading centre, was considering its’ demolition. The efforts of locals, as well as voices such as Henry Moore, helped maintain its’ existence.
Another interesting connection to our town’s history comes from his membership and patron status of the Bishop’s Stortford Town Twinning Association. A “staunch believer in European collaboration,” his membership of this organisation seemingly grew out of such beliefs.
The Town Twinning Movement itself grew out of the post-WW2 effort by nations to deepen relations, understanding and goodwill between peoples. Our own local area was twinned with Villiers-sur-Marne in France and Friedberg Hessen of Germany.
The archive contains a wealth of information on the history and development of the programme Moore became a member of. The 10th anniversary of the Town Twinning work saw a set of events to commemorate the links. This included French and German Parties arriving, before games of Petanque (a popular French game) being played, as well as tours of the Rhodes Museum and the opening of the Town Twinning Commemorative and Local History Exhibition at the Rhodes Centre.
The life and accomplishments of Henry Moore are on display at the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens. With over ¾ of a million items in the collection, including press coverage, film, audio recordings and exhibition catalogues, this wonderful institution near Bishop’s Stortford provides a perfect opportunity for a day outing.
You can visit Henry Moore Studios and Gardens at Dane Tree House, Perry Green, Much Hadham, SG10 6EE https://henry-moore.org/studios-and-gardens/
Researched and written by Volunteer Thomas
Sources:
Henry Moore’s story | Henry Moore Foundation
And Finally… Bishop’s Stortford and Thorley – A History and Guide
