An iconic Henry Moore sculpture will take up residence at Kew Gardens next month.

The bronze statue, titled Reclining Mother and Child, will sit within a tranquil part of the gardens and will illustrate the synergy between Moore’s delight in the natural world and the gardens’ celebration of nature and plant-based conservation worldwide.

The rare and unusual piece is one of only three large scale bronze statues created by Moore, which combine two of his favourite subjects; the mother and child and the reclining figure.

As the autumn begins to come alive, the vibrant colours of the surrounding ash and alder trees, with their warm, yellow tones, will create a unique background for the sculpture.

The statue was chosen for Kew Gardens after the huge success of the landmark 2007 Moore exhibition.

  • Henry Moore at Kew Gardens; Kew Gardens, Kew; from September 25, Gardens open 9.30am to 6pm; £15 adult, £14 concessions, children under 16 free; visit kew.org.