Vignette 22: Sculpting the campus

In 1971, a notable addition was made to the North Terrace campus. The iconic bronze sculpture Reclining Connected Forms (1969) by renowned British artist Henry Moore was purchased thanks to the generous bequest of Edward Warner Benham (1872–1948), an alumnus and part-time lecturer in Property Law at the University from 1910 to 1938. 

In addition to his contribution to the University grounds, Benham also significantly impacted legal education through the EW Benham Research Scholarship, which provides valuable support to students pursuing honours degrees in English Literature or English Political History.

Internationally acclaimed for his work, Henry Moore introduced a new wave of abstract, organic sculpture, shunning traditional forms and embracing innovative interpretations of the human experience. Reclining Connected Forms captivates viewers with its intricate design, depicting a mother shielding her child, which Moore said represented the human need to protect and be protected. Located at the Walter Young Garden, the sculpture integrates with the landscape, emphasising its connection to the earth and changing seasons.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Giving with impact.  p.36