Vandalized Sculpture Fetches £26M at Auction

Once a familiar sight in southern Scotland, Henry Moore's 'King and Queen' sculpture has achieved a remarkable £26 million at auction. The artwork was a key component of the Glenkiln sculpture park in Dumfries and Galloway, an initiative by Sir William Keswick between 1951 and 1976 that showcased modern sculptures in natural outdoor settings. This particular sculpture, inspired by ancient Egyptian art and Moore's readings, was celebrated as a landmark piece.

However, the sculpture's history is marked by adversity. In 1995, 'King and Queen' was tragically beheaded by vandals. Although the heads were later recovered and meticulously restored by The Henry Moore Foundation, the incident contributed to the sculpture's eventual removal from public display. The theft of another artwork, 'Standing Figure,' in 2013 ultimately led to the closure of the public exhibition space at Glenkiln.

This specific bronze cast of 'King and Queen' is the last remaining example in private hands, with other editions housed in Japan, the Netherlands, and the USA, as well as the Tate Collection. The £26 million sale price significantly exceeded expectations, highlighting the enduring value and appeal of Moore's work despite its turbulent past.