When The Amelia opened on April 28 it did so with an impressive exhibition: Threads of Influence which features the talented work of legendary sculptor and artist Henry Moore.
On until July 3 – and with two special workshops coming up on June 18 and July 2, more of which later – we thought it would be good to talk to the show’s curator Ed Liddle in more detail about the touring exhibition which demonstrates the multiple facets of Moore’s practice and reveals how disparate cultures and contexts informed him…
Let’s start by you telling us a little bit about your role at The Amelia Scott?
I am the Exhibitions Officer for The Amelia Scott, I work to organise and curate the temporary exhibitions that take place at The Amelia Scott – in the Temporary Exhibition Space, Green Room and anywhere else that the service needs.
How did the Henry Moore exhibition come about?
For the first exhibition at The Amelia Scott, we felt that it was a great opportunity to bring one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists to Tunbridge Wells.
Henry Moore: Threads of Influence is on loan from the Sainsbury Centre, which is an art gallery and museum located on the campus of the University of East Anglia.
The works were purchased throughout a lifetime of friendship with Henry Moore by the original collectors the Sainsbury’s (yes, as in the Sainsbury’s supermarket chain).
The works in the exhibition we are currently showing at the Amelia Scott are therefore a unique selection taken from throughout Henry Moore’s artistic career.
Has it proved to be a popular show to see at the Amelia Scott?
It has been fantastic welcoming visitors to the exhibition and feedback has been so positive with lots of people commenting on how wonderful it is to have Henry Moore artworks in Tunbridge Wells!
Inspiring
It has also been delightful to welcome younger visitors into the exhibition and during the most recent Discovery Days (free family drop in activities), families have been exploring the works in the exhibition and making their very own Henry Moore inspired drawings.
Can you tell us more about these Discovery Days that focused on Moore’s work?
Our learning team did an amazing job of telling the stories from the works in the exhibition to audiences, and it has been wonderful to see a range of people engaging with the exhibition.
Moore’s work appeals to people for different reasons, he was a wonderful draughtsman and of course sculptor, the exhibition offers multiple perspectives on his work and there are new discoveries to be found, including several prints. Lots of people didn’t know he experimented with print making throughout his life!
You’ve also led some curator talks on the exhibition since it’s been on. Can you tell us more about these?
Each one has seen visitors adding their own personal perspectives of what the work of Henry Moore means to them. His work can be found across the UK, therefore lots of people have personal connections to him and his work, perhaps walking past one of his public sculptures each day to work, or seeing him on the TV. Art has the potential to connect us all and Moore is no different.
How long will it run for and are there are any never-seen-before pieces?
Although the large sculptural work of Henry Moore is quite well known, the exhibition offers insights into several other aspects of his work. The exhibition contains several drawings made by him during the Second World War. It was important for me to ensure that these powerful works had adequate space in the exhibition in order for visitors to experience them in the best way possible.
Talented
They form the centre of the exhibition and are not only exquisite drawings, but are works of historical importance, marking a time in history.
What other exhibitions do you have in the pipeline?
Opening on July 21 is Cabaret Mechanical Marvels, a wonderfully entertaining exhibition featuring mechanical automata. Intricate handmade works by master crafts people, featuring a range of different characters and which all move on the touch of a button! And in October we have Body Beautiful (produced by National Museums Scotland), which features the work of contemporary fashion designers, and focuses on diversity in the fashion industry.
All of the exhibitions will be accompanied by a programme of events, so keep an eye on the Amelia Scott’s website and social media pages to stay up to date. We have some wonderful plans and can’t wait to welcome you to The Amelia Scott in the next weeks, months and years.
Threads of Influence is on every day until July 3.
