As a continuation of the policy of trying to make more of Henry Moore’s work available for viewing at Perry Green itself, the Sheep Field Barn Gallery was opened in 1999 to house exhibitions of the artist’s work on an occasionally changing basis.

An existing agricultural barn was clearly the most suitable building on the estate for conversion to a display area as it was of good proportions, ideally positioned in close proximity to the studios, and allowed easy access for visitors. The architects Hawkins/Brown were commissioned to draw up plans in 1997. The original steel skeleton was sand blasted, strengthened and reassembled and in place of asbestos, black stained timber was used in keeping with the local vernacular. The roof consists of zinc panels which will patinate with time. This is a modern reinterpretation of a traditional barn using quality materials rather than the industrialised systems which tend to dominate the rural landscape.

The internal design of the building evolved through a desire for flexibility of space. The reconstruction divides the interior one-third of the way down its length, the first third on two floors for works on paper and smaller sculpture, leaving the remainder as a full-height gallery for larger items. All spaces can be used independently or opened up to create a sequence of interrelated areas.