Henry Moore: Sculptural Process and Public Identity

Miss Alice Gostick was a teacher at Castleford Secondary School, which Moore attended between the ages of eleven and eighteen. A member of the Art Teachers’ Guild, Miss Gostick advocated a progressive art curriculum and supported Moore’s artistic ambitions. She also ran evening pottery classes for both students and parents. Moore continued to attend these classes after taking a place at Leeds School of Art in September 1919, and brought along his new friend, the painter Raymond Coxon. This photograph shows Miss Gostick seated on the far left looking at a bowl. Moore is seated at her feet painting a jug. Coxon, also seated on the floor, is shown to the right working on a jar.