Becoming Henry Moore exhibition showcases early works

Henry Moore, photographed between 1929 and 1930 with Reclining Figure and Mask

A new exhibition of the works of sculptor Henry Moore has been put together following a £7m revamp of his former home.

Becoming Henry Moore will mark the opening of the redeveloped Studio & Gardens in Hertfordshire, as well as the 40th anniversary of his foundation, created to support artists.

The exhibition focuses on works from his formative years, from 1914 to 1930.

It also includes exhibits from artists who influenced the sculptor.

Nine Nude Figures, drawn by Moore in about 1921

Seated Man (l) and Dancing Figure (r), both c.1921

Among the works on show is Moore's first commission from his student days, a World War One roll of honour for his secondary school, which has never before been seen outside his hometown of Castleford, in West Yorkshire.

Moore's first commission was this roll of honour, seen for the first time outside his hometown of Castleford

A number of works of art that influenced the young Moore, including Rodin's Crouching Woman from 1882, will be on show

The exhibition opens to the public on Friday

This work, and others including his Reclining Figure, will be exhibited at the Henry Moore Studios & Gardens in Perry Green, near Bishop's Stortford, which has been transformed to include a visitor centre, café and classrooms.

Moore sculpted Maternity in 1924

Pendant in the Egyptian Style dates from 1923

Moore's works will be shown alongside those of artists who inspired him, such as Picasso, Rodin, Michelangelo and British contemporaries including Barbara Hepworth and Jacob Epstein.

In the 40 years since Moore and his family set up the Henry Moore Foundation to encourage appreciation of the art world and support artists and projects throughout the world, it has awarded grants worth more than £31m to over 2,000 projects and individuals.

Becoming Henry Moore runs until 22 October.