Henry Moore: Sculptural Process and Public Identity

 I am extremely sorry to report that a few days ago the Henry Moore sculpture Recumbent Figure was knocked off its pedestal at night by two vandals who climbed the Museum fence and got into the sculpture garden. We have a night watchman, of course, but by the time he reached the scene the damage had been done and he was unable to apprehend the men.

 Fortunately the damage to the sculpture was less than might have been expected. The only serious damage was that the head was knocked off, as you will see by the enclosed photographs. We have had the sculpture repaired with German cement by J. Wallace Kelly who has been used for such repairs for some time by the Metropolitan Museum and by this Museum. Mr. Kelly has done a splendid job and the damage is now noticeable only on very close inspection. We are bringing the sculpture indoors in the near future, since the Horton Stone has begun to erode slightly and Mr. Kelly feels that it should not be left in the garden for a much longer period of time.

 The charges for repairs have, of course, been paid by our Insurance Company. However, our Registrar has asked the Insurance Company to hold the case open, since the Tate Gallery might wish to put in a claim for general depreciation in value. Would you be kind enough to let me know whether the Tate Gallery would like to file such a claim and, if so, for what amount. I will then take the matter up with the Insurance Company.

 I regret very much that this accident has happened and I can only assure you that we have done our best to safeguard this important work which you have so generously lent us. If you would like a more detailed report on the damage, I would be only too glad to send it to you.

With kindest regards,