Moore’s biographers seem unable or unwilling to grasp the idea that he actually enjoyed his time as a soldier in the 15th Battalion, The London Regiment. In this lecture John Lee explores Moore’s time in the army and the bonds of friendship made there and argues that if you understand this you will add to your understanding of Henry Moore as man and artist.
Wallace Collection Helmet Heads
Image courtesy of Tate
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/moore-helmet-head-no-1-t00388
Display Caption
In Helmet Head No.1, a protective helmet encloses a separate bronze form, which includes a nose and mouth, suggesting a face. Moore made a number of Helmet sculptures, but this one is more angular and mechanistic than others in the series, evoking memories of the Second World War, in which soldiers and civilians alike used protective helmets and masks. It was made just as the outbreak of hostilities in Korea threatened to escalate into a wider international conflict, and may reflect Moore’s anxieties over the threat of nuclear war.
Gallery label, February 2007
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? We would like to hear from you.