The exciting role of modern sculpture in contemporary Britain - a fresh encounter with the physical objects that shape our culture.

The Arts Society Henley welcomes renowned art historian and lecturer Anna Moszynska for a compelling journey through this transformative era, evolving from the raw modernism of the early 20th century to the provocative, large-scale installations of today.

Booking: Starts Thursday 17th September 2026. This event is only available to members of TASH.

The Rise of the Modern

The day begins with the seismic shifts led by Jacob Epstein and the emergence of the "Geometry of Fear" - a term coined by Herbert Read to describe the angular, uneasy aesthetic of a post-war generation of sculptors. We will trace how pioneers like Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore redefined our understanding of space and form, moving away from classical representation toward organic, abstract languages that influenced art worldwide.

The Body as a Place

Anna Moszynska brings a rare, personal perspective to this session; having known Anthony Gormley since his time at the Slade School of Fine Art, she has authored two definitive books on his drawings. This intimate knowledge allows for a fascinating deep dive into Gormley’s career, from his iconic Angel of the North to his lifelong fascination with the human body as a site of interaction with the landscape.

Contemporary Encounters in Public Space

In our final session, we look at how sculpture has broken free from the traditional museum pedestal to inhabit our public squares, parks, and cityscapes. We consider the changing nature of the monument and memorial through the lens of provocative contemporary artists. Discussions will feature the deeply personal works of Tracey Emin, the reflective surfaces of Anish Kapoor, and the uncanny installations of Cornelia Parker and Rachel Whiteread.

About Our Speaker

Anna Moszynska is a distinguished academic who pioneered the study of contemporary art at Sotheby’s Institute. Her expertise and engaging style make her one of the most sought-after lecturers in the field. Anna is a London-based lecturer and writer specialising in contemporary art. During the 1990s, she oversaw the development of the subject as the first Master’s Degree at Sotheby’s Institute. She has also taught at other institutions in London including The City Lit, the Royal Academy and Tate, as well as lecturing in cities ranging from Dubai to New York and Berlin to Sydney. She continues to offer guest lectures on the Sotheby’s Institute MA in Contemporary Art.  Apart from the many catalogue essays she has written on living artists, many of whom are women, her books include Abstract Art (1990, enlarged ed. 2020) and Sculpture Now (2013), both published by Thames & Hudson, and two books on the drawings of Antony Gormley, whose work she has curated at MACRO, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Rome. She enjoys introducing art to audiences in a lively and approachable way to make modern and contemporary art both accessible and interesting.

Session Timings

• Coffee from 10.00am. 
• 1st lecture 10.45am - 11.45am. 
• 2nd lecture 12.00pm - 1.00pm. 
• Sandwich lunch 1.00pm - 2.00pm. 
• 3rd lecture 2.00pm - 3.00pm approximately.