During the ‘blitz’ in the early 1940s, the London Underground was shelter, and refuge, for Londoners. They also sleep there. The sculptor, Henry Moore, takes the train (tube) and sees the line ups into the stations and people sleeping on the platforms. He draws them from memory, and from his notes, such as:”Two sleeping figures (seen from above) sharing cream-coloured thin blankets (drapery closely stuck to form). Hands and arms. Try positions oneself.” Later, in his studio, he draws what he has seen.

In 1967, eighty of these drawings are reproduced by collotype facsimile and, with a series of seven original lithographs, are published as ‘The Shelter Sketchbook’ portfolio.

Pen and ink, crayon and watercolor on cheap notebooks.

Artist: Henry Moore.

More information and images at the Henry Moore Foundation. Note: Use of the images must be obtained by permission of the Henry Moore Foundation.