A new exhibition charting the history of Henry Moore’s Draped Seated Woman opens in Canary Wharf this week, providing an insight into the story behind one of his most famous works which became affectionately known as ‘Old Flo’.
Entitled Indomitable Spirit and free to the public, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about Moore’s remarkable career as one of Britain’s most feted artists and a man who devoted his life to sculpture. The exhibition runs until 6th April.
The exhibition features imagery of Henry Moore at work, with archive photos of him sculpting and creating plaster versions of Old Flo in various studios. Visitors are also able to view quotations from Henry Moore himself on how he worked, alongside wartime shelter drawings which influenced Old Flo and other sculptures. Old Flo’s complete history is shown through a series of photographs, detailing everything from her creation, removal, and eventual return to the East End.
Visitors are also able to visit Old Flo – just one of the six bronze editions in existence worldwide – in Cabot Square, following her triumphant return to the East End late last year.
In 2015 the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, pledged to bring Henry Moore’s sculpture back to the borough to be enjoyed by the local community. In 2017 Canary Wharf’s Cabot Square was chosen as its new home until spring 2022.
The exhibition explores Henry Moore’s life, career and legacy and the reasons as to why Old Flo came to be of such importance to the East End.
Visitors can attend a tour of the exhibition, hosted by curator Ann Elliot, on 26th March. The tour is free, but visitors should email publicart@canarywharf.com to reserve a space.
Sally Williams, Public Art Consultant for Canary Wharf Group, comments: “This exhibition is a fantastic way to demonstrate the importance of Old Flo as not just a work of art, but a symbol of history and community. She has an important place in the borough’s heritage and this display will help to educate many people, both young and old, on the fascinating history of one of Henry Moore’s most celebrated sculptures. We strongly believe in making art accessible to everyone and Old Flo is the latest addition to our 70-strong and growing collection of public art.”
For more information about the exhibition, please visit: www.canarywharf.com
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Press Office
Canary Wharf Group plc
T: 020 7418 2166
E: pressoffice@canarywharf.com
Notes to Editors
** Enjoy 3 hours’ free** parking at Canary Wharf on weekends and bank holidays when you spend £10 at any of our shops, cafés, bars or restaurants. Simply ask for your ticket to be validated at point of purchase and use in the pay on foot machines before returning to your car.
EVENT DETAILS:
Monfay 12 February – Friday 6 April
Daily
Lobby, One Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5NX
FREE
About Canary Wharf Group
Canary Wharf Group plc has overseen the largest urban regeneration project ever undertaken in Europe, designing and building more than 16.5 million sq ft of London real estate, which now houses local and international companies and renowned retailers.
The Canary Wharf Estate is a major retail destination comprising around 1m sq ft across five shopping malls, including the award-winning leisure development, Crossrail Place, housing one of London’s most stunning roof gardens. It also has world-class, year-round arts and events programme offering over 200 diverse and culturally inspiring events performed throughout the Estate.
Canary Wharf Group is a wholly owned joint venture between Brookfield Property Partners and the Qatar Investment Authority.
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