Research library & archive
The Sculpture Research Library is part of the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds, and offers unparalleled access to material on sculpture.
We welcome readers to explore this unique reference resource, and study sculpture in our beautifully designed reading rooms.
The library and archive are free to use and all visitors are welcome.
Opening times
Sculpture Research Library
Tuesday to Friday, 10:00–17:00
Saturday, 13:00–17:00
Archive of Sculptors’ Papers
Tuesday to Friday
By prior appointment only
Please note the library will be closed to readers on Saturday 6 December 2025 for a one-day display, Hammer, Anvil, Stirrup by the YSI 2025 Sculpture Network Artists.
Christmas opening dates
The library and archive are closed 24 December – 2 January.
What’s in the research library?
Library collection
The library contains over 30,000 books, exhibition catalogues and journals with a particularly strong focus on British sculpture.
We hold an audio-visual collection of films and documentaries, as well as interviews with sculptors from National Life Stories.
You can also access research databases including our Digital Library which holds records of events and exhibitions at the Institute.
Find out more about the library collection
Special collections
The library has a significant collection of rare books, catalogues and journals from the 19th century through to the present day.
Alongside this, we have a growing collection of artists’ books.
Please contact the library ahead of your visit if you wish to look at items in the special collections.
Explore our special collections
Library displays
We use a display space in the library to show highlights from our collection.
Library displays change in line with our current exhibitions, and can feature small scale sculpture, works on paper, rare books and archival material.
See what’s on display in the library
What’s in the archive?
Archive of Sculptors’ Papers
The Henry Moore Institute Archive of Sculptors’ Papers in Leeds is a rich and fascinating collection which tells the story of British sculpture. The Archive is free to use and all visitors are welcome.
The working lives of hundreds of sculptors are captured in their photographs, letters, drawings and sketchbooks, alongside film, digital records and even tools and costume.
Find out more about the archive
New acquisitions
We regularly add to our library collections with new publications about sculpture.
Contact us
Please get in touch using the form below if you’d like to discuss visiting the archive or library.
Getting here
Christmas opening dates
Our galleries will be closed 24 – 26 December, and 29 December – 1 January.
The library and archive are closed 24 December – 2 January.
Henry Moore Institute
74 The Headrow
Leeds
LS1 3AH
United Kingdom
T: 01132 467 467
E: institute@henry-moore.org
