During the 'blitz' in the early 1940s, the London Underground provides shelter for Londoners. The platforms are used for refuge, people also sleep there. The sculptor, Henry Moore, takes the train (tube) and sees the line ups into the stations and people sleeping on the platforms. He begins to draw them from memory. He takes notes, such as:"Two sleeping figures (seen from above) sharing cream-coloured thin blankets (drapery closely stuck to form). Hands and arms. Try positions oneself." Only later, in his studio, does he draw what he has seen.

In 1967, eighty of these drawings are reproduced by collotype facsimile, and, with a series of seven original lithographs, are published as 'The Shelter Sketchbook' portfolio.

Pen and ink, crayon and watercolor on cheap notebooks.

Artist: Henry Moore.

More information and images at the Henry Moore Foundation. Note: Use of the images must be obtained by permission of the Henry Moore Foundation.