We are supporting Tate Britain to create a permanent exhibition space for Henry Moore’s work. A series of changing displays will present Moore’s sculptures and other works in a variety of contexts, drawing on Tate’s collection, new acquisitions and loans.

David Sainsbury’s father Robert was one of Henry Moore’s earliest champions at a time when the sculptor and artist was struggling to make an impact.  Indeed, in 1933 Robert bought Moore’s carving Mother and Child, and the £160 he paid was half Moore’s income that year. 

In the post-war years Moore became perhaps the most celebrated sculptor of his time, but later generations have not been as exposed to his work, mainly due to the lack of a substantial collection in London.

To introduce Moore to a new generation, in 2008 Gatsby funded the biggest outdoor exhibition of his work held in London, with 28 of his large-scale sculptures set across three acres of Kew Gardens.  More than 600,000 people visited during the six months of the exhibition, with Gatsby funding used to give 150,000 free tickets to children and schools.

Gatsby is now funding Tate Britain to create a permanent exhibition space for Moore’s work.  The intention is to create a series of changing displays which will present Moore’s work in a variety of contexts, drawing on Tate’s collection, new acquisitions, and loans of works held elsewhere.  In preparation, Tate is renovating three galleries, with works including strengthening the floors so they can support large sculptures.