The sculpture has been installed in its original location between The Avenue and Croom’s Hill Gate. The return of the sculpture, titled ‘Large Standing Figure: Knife Edge’ has been made possible through joint funding from The Friends of Greenwich Park, the London 2012 Organising Committee and The Royal Parks.
It is being displayed in the Park due to popular demand and will be in place throughout the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when the Park will host the Olympic Modern Pentathlon and Equestrian competitions and Paralympic Equestrian.
In February 2007 the popular bronze sculpture was removed for conservation and has since been part of a major Moore exhibition at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and part of the Henry Moore display at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Jonathan Edwards, London 2012 Organising Committee Board Member, said: 'The return of this sculpture adds to the many attractions
of Greenwich Park, and we are delighted to have been able to play a part in its
return. Hosting the Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon events during the
Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 will also add a rich strand to the history
and uniqueness of Greenwich Park.
We are working hard on the detail of
our plans for the events next year to ensure this will be one of the
outstanding sporting experiences of 2012 but also to ensure that the Park is
reinstated afterwards.'
Colin Buttery, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Park, The Royal
Parks said: 'Henry Moore originally chose Greenwich Park as the ideal
location for this striking sculpture and we would like to thank the
Friends of Greenwich Park and LOCOG for their support in helping return
the Knife Edge in time for the Olympic and Paralympic events that will
take place here.
'The eyes of the world will be on the Royal
Parks and on Greenwich Park during the summer of 2012 and we're
delighted that so many people will have the opportunity to see Knife
Edge in this beautiful setting.'
A spokesperson for the Friends of Greenwich Park said: 'The Friends are delighted to see the Knife Edge sculpture
back in its striking setting in Greenwich Park, regarded as its home for nearly
30 years.
'During its absence, we –
together with other individuals and organisations – have taken an active
interest in seeking its return. We are
therefore particularly pleased that the Friends' financial contribution has
helped The Royal Parks make that possible – for the next two years at least.'
