I recently spent a summer Saturday paying a to visit to Henry Moore's house and gardens near Much Hadham in Hertfordshire. Set in amidst delightful countryside this large site features the home, grounds and galleries where Henry Moore lived and worked from the 1940's until his death in 1986.

Beyond the house there are extensive grounds, which are laid out with lawns, meadows, orchards and woods. A selection of Moore's works are on display, changing from time to time as some pieces are lent out for exhibitions. 

This central lawned area featured an interesting mixture of works of varying size and subjects. The nearest sculpture is called 'Oval with Points'.

A number of barns and workshops are dotted around the site. This old barn has been sympathetically restored, and is a stunning setting for the display of some of Moore's beautiful tapestries. No photography is allowed inside the buildings, but if you would like to view these works, you can see them on the Henry Moore Foundation website.

An interesting insight into the methods of construction and materials that Moore employed can be found in the various workshops. Moore constructed many small small models like this one, at the design stage of his massive works. He had a succession of assistants over the years, to help him complete the structures. His works are made from a variety of materials, including fibreglass, marble and bronze.

Many of the pieces represented human forms.

Some works were placed amongst the trees, either in the orchards or along a woodland path. This woodland piece represents a head.

You were allowed to touch the works in the grounds, and many people did so; they are very tactile pieces. 

A number of works resemble human vertebra, whilst another recurrent theme is that of reclining human forms. Moore also took inspiration from the weathered rocks and flints found in the ground locally.

One of Henry Moore's workshops overlooks this field. Moore would often sit at his desk and sketch the sheep. Although in this case, the sheep were watching us! 

This work provided shade for the sheep. I think they must be very used to people visiting as a number of sheep approached, probably looking for food!

This massive sculpture, placed on a small artificial hill, could be seen from various points around the grounds. 

It certainly looked impressive set against the ever-changing cloud formations.

Moore's house, called 'Hoglands' was purchased with the profits from the sale of some of his works. The house overlooks an attractive 'cottage' style garden.

Further details of the work of Henry Moore can be found at this site  http://www.henry-moore-fdn.co.uk/