Three-Way Piece No. 2: Archer, unveiled in 1966
Henry Moore, British; (1898-1986)
A bronze form weighing 2.5 tons, resting on an elliptical concrete base surrounded by a floor of concrete embedded with stones.
The large abstract sculpture on Nathan Phillips Square in front of City Hall, Three-Way Piece No. 2 : Archer, usually called "The Archer", was created by Henry Moore, one of England's most famous artists of the 20th century. He studied in England, France and Italy, and participated in the international Surrealist Exhibitions of 1936 and 1938. Moore also served as an official war artist for Britain from 1940-42.
In 1961 Viljo Revell, architect of Toronto City Hall, approached Henry Moore to execute a sculpture for the civic square. Revell was acquainted with the artist and suggested that one of his works would complement the flowing lines of the building. The Archer was selected from a group of Moore's maquettes (small models).
However, the proposed purchase of the work with public funds ($100,000) erupted into controversy and was defeated in council. Eventually, then Mayor Phil Givens raised the artist's fee with private money.
Henry Moore was so moved by this gesture of support for the purchase of his sculpture that he donated more than 200 sculptures, drawings and graphics to the Art Gallery of Ontario. These pieces are now housed in the Henry Moore Sculpture Centre within the AGO.