A MAJOR exhibition of outdoor sculpture by famous British artist Henry Moore will be held in the grounds of Hatfield House next year.

Hatfield House will be celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2011 and the Moore exhibition forms part of the celebrations.

Henry Moore, who died in 1986, is best known for his huge abstract bronze sculptures, which are located around the world as public works of art.

Moore at Hatfield will be the largest collection of Henry Moore’s monumental works ever exhibited in the grounds of an historic house.

The exhibits will come from The Henry Moore Foundation, which is based in the county at Perry Green, near Bishop’s Stortford.

Lord Salisbury, whose family have lived at Hatfield continuously for over 400 years, said: “We are proud to have The Henry Moore Foundation as neighbours in Hertfordshire and excited that they have agreed to help us celebrate the 400th anniversary of the completion of Hatfield House.

“The sculptures will look magnificent in the garden and woodland setting and we hope our visitors will enjoy them as much as all of us at Hatfield will.”

Anita Feldman, head of collections and exhibitions at The Henry Moore Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be working on an exhibition of Moore’s outdoor sculpture for Hatfield House’s 2011 visitor season.

“The gardens will be a wonderful location for Moore’s work, and we hope the sculptures will be enjoyed in their formal and woodland settings by visitors throughout the summer.”

The exhibition at Hatfield will be open to the public from April 23 to September 30.

General tickets are available now via the Hatfield House website and through Campus West, WGC.

Tours for groups and curator led talks will also be available.

Call the House Office for details 01707 287010.