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The Arch 1979–1980 facts for kids

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The Arch 1979–1980
Henry-Moore-Arch-0855.JPG
The Arch in May 2014
Artist Henry Moore
Year 1979–1980
Type Stone sculpture
Medium Travertine
Location London, United Kingdom

The Arch 1979–1980 is a very large stone sculpture. It was created by the famous artist Henry Moore. You can find it in Kensington Gardens in London, England. Moore gave this amazing artwork to the park in 1980.

Discovering The Arch Sculpture

This impressive sculpture is made from a strong stone called Travertine. It stands tall in Kensington Gardens, a beautiful park in London. Many people enjoy seeing it, especially because it can be seen reflected in the water of the nearby lake.

Why Henry Moore Created The Arch

Henry Moore had an art show in Kensington Gardens in 1978. People loved seeing his large sculptures outdoors. After the show, he was asked if he would leave a sculpture there permanently. Moore agreed to do this.

He felt that The Arch looked perfect in that spot. He especially liked how it reflected in the lake. The sculpture first shown was made of fiberglass. This material was lighter and easier to move for exhibitions.

But for a permanent artwork, Moore wanted something very strong. So, he decided to create a new version. He chose travertine marble because it is a very durable stone. This means it will last a long time outdoors.

The Arch's Journey and Restoration

In 1996, The Arch was found to be a bit wobbly. For safety, it was carefully taken apart. The pieces were then put into storage to keep them safe.

Years later, in 2012, the sculpture was brought back. It was fully repaired and made stable again. Then, it was placed back in its original spot in Kensington Gardens. Now, visitors can enjoy this wonderful artwork once more.

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