Weekly Message from Our Director & CEO, Stephan Jost

Hello everyone,

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the AGO’s Henry Moore Sculpture Centre, the City of Toronto is proclaiming Wednesday, November 13 as Henry Moore Day. The Sculpture Centre has always been among the most beloved spaces at the museum and the artworks have inspired generations of visitors. We will be acknowledging this milestone in a bunch of ways:

  1. Check out this week’s dedicated volunteer blog post, with archival photos from Al Stanton-Hagan, AGO Archivist
  2. Join Adam Welch, Lisa Ellis and James Copper, Henry Moore Foundation Lead Sculpture Conservator and Senior Technician, in conversation Wednesday November 13 at 7pm in Baillie Court
  3. Share your photos and recollections of time spent with Henry Moore’s art on social media, using the hashtag #MooreMemories and tagging @AGOToronto

Thank you to those who are helping mark this significant anniversary. I am grateful to our predecessors who had the foresight to welcome Moore’s collection to the AGO for the people of Ontario to enjoy. It is truly among the highlights of the AGO’s holdings.

This coming Monday, November 11, is Remembrance Day. I encourage everyone to take a moment on Monday – if not before – for private reflection – whether it be viewing artwork, reading prose, or spending a contemplative moment in Grange Park.  

Remembrance Day has been observed in Canada since the end of the First World War. It was a brutal war. I tend to reflect on WWI as well as the many conflicts and wars that continue today – particularly on the lives lost and all the people impacted by the senseless violence of war. 

Take care,

Stephan