Renown for his monumental sculptures — mostly abstractions of the human figure — master contemporary sculptor Henry Spencer Moore (1898 – 1986) was one of the most influential and internationally recognized artists of the 20th century.
The Englishman became well known through his carved marble and large-scale abstract cast bronze sculptures, and was instrumental in introducing a particular form of modernism to the UK. During his later career, his large-scale commissions made him exceptionally wealthy. And very, very generously philanthropic.
These days, his works are making art collectors exceptionally wealthy by setting records at the March, 2026 Christie’s London auctions. Two of Moore’s bronze sculptures were largely responsible for Christie’s 52% increase over last year’s 20th/21st Century sales totals. A total of $263.8 million in successful bids was collected across three major sessions.
The star of the auction was Moore’s “King and Queen” (1952-53) which surpassed all expectations. When the gavel came down after eight minutes of furious bidding, the winning bis of $35.2 million (with the premium charge) — more than twice the works low estimation of $13.4 million. It also soared above Moore’s previous auction record of $33,009,450 set in 2016 at Christie’s.
Seconding the success at this month’s Christies auction, a second Moore sculpture bested it’s $2.7-4 million estimate. A bronze titled “Goslar Warrior” (from a 1973-74 edition of seven) sold for $6.1 million with fees.
These are two of the most outstanding 2026 opportunities to view Henry Moore’s work:
KEW GARDENS — London, England
Throughout summer 2026, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew presents the most comprehensive presentation of Moore’s work in a generation. Opening in May 2026, “Henry Moore: Monumental Nature” represents the largest and most comprehensive showcase of Moore’s work to date, anywhere in the world. It will feature 30 works across Kew’s landscape and inside the iconic Temperate House, the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world.
THE HENRY MOORE STUDIOS & GARDENS — Herfordshire, England
Henry Moore’s iconic work can be viewed in myriad museums and public spaces around the world. But perhaps the best place to see and understand the art and artist is in the Herfordshire countryside at Moore’s former home and sculpture gardens. The Henry Moore Studios & Gardens encompasses 70 acres of art installations, workshops, and six and six studios revealing his process of carving, etching, and model-making.
