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The Henry Moore Institute is closed for refurbishment until Summer 2024. Henry Moore Studios & Gardens is closed over winter and will reopen on Thursday 28 March 2024.

Discover & Research

Henry Moore's sketchbooks

From the 1920s, Moore used sketchbooks to make studies of sculptures and animals and to record ideas for his own sculptures, drawings and textile designs. Many of these were later disbanded.

Browse digital reproductions of Moore’s notebooks and sketchbooks below.

History of Sculpture Notebook, 1920

The History of Sculpture Notebook 1920 was completed whilst Moore was a student at the Royal College of Art, making regular visits to the British Museum and the V&A.

See details of History of Sculpture Notebook in our online collection

Notebook No.2, 1921-22

Moore completed Notebook No.2 whilst studying at the Royal College of Art. Its pages contain notes on RCA assignments alongside sketches for sculptural ideas.

See details of Notebook No.2 in our online collection

Notebook No.6, 1926

This early sketchbook, Notebook No.6, completed in 1926, contains a number of studies of early sculpture, likely from Moore’s frequent visits to the British Museum, alongside vivid animal studies of birds, fish and dogs.

See details of Notebook No.6 in our online collection

West Wind Sketchbook, 1928

In West Wind Sketchbook 1928, Moore develops design ideas for his first public commission, a carving for the headquarters of London Transport, 55 Broadway, London.

See details of West Wind Sketchbook in our online collection

Coalmining Notebook A, 1941-42

In August 1941 Moore was commissioned by the War Artists’ Advisory Committee to draw a series of coalmining scenes in Wheldale Colliery, Yorkshire, where his father had worked previously.

See details of Coalmining Notebook A in our online collection

Search the online collection

Our online catalogue contains details of over 13,000 sculptures, drawings, tapestries, textiles and graphic works by Henry Moore.