Press

David Mitchinson, Head of Collections and Exhibitions at The Henry Moore Foundation, has written a new book, Henry Moore: Prints and Portfolios.  Mitchinson worked alongside Moore on his graphics from the late 1960s until the artist's death in 1986.  He is due to retire at the end of March 2010 after 42 years working at Perry Green.

The book, which has over 400 pages and 800 illustrations, will be published by Patrick Cramer, Geneva, on 30 March 2010.  Both Patrick and his late father Gérald worked closely with Moore for many years on his printmaking. As well as in a standard edition of 1500, price £75, the book will also appear in a deluxe edition of 50 at £2,000, each containing an issue of Moore's first etching, Composition for a Poem by Herbert Read (c.1946) and his last lithograph, Two Women Seated on Beach (1984). 

Print-making formed an increasingly important part of Moore's work from the 1970s, when he worked with specialist printers and publishers internationally to meet a growing demand for his work. There are 719 prints in the Moore catalogue raisonné, and of these, 363 appear in some form of deluxe book or portfolio.

The book charts the rich and varied histories of these prints and portfolios, which were created by the artist in collaboration with other artists, writers, typographers, printers and publishers from 1931 onwards.

Also in the book are little-known one-off graphic projects by the artist - a wine label for the 1964 Mouton Rothschild vintage, for example, Moore's personal book plate design, and a print conceived for a bold scheme to introduce modern art to schools.

Prints and Portfolios is available from The Henry Moore Foundation by telephoning 01279 843333, or from www.henry-moore.org.  It is also available from Osborne Samuel (Tel: 020 7493 7939, www.osbornesamuel.com, info@osbornesamuel.com). It will be officially launched at the London Print Fair at the Royal Academy, London on 29 April 2010.

The public are welcome to visit Henry Moore's former house, studios and outdoor sculpture displays, including the exhibition Henry Moore deluxe: books, prints & portfolios, which is based on the book.  Please book your visit on 01279 843 333, or at www.henry-moore.org/pg.  Open 30 March - 30 August 2010, Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays, 10am - 5pm.