One of the most important collections of modern and contemporary British sculpture is to rehoused in West Yorkshire.

The Arts Council of England will move its 500-strong collection to the new Longside Gallery at Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield in summer 2002.

This will enable more work to be seen in the region and to be taken on tour to venues around the country and further afield.

The project is receiving financial support from the Henry Moore Foundation.

'Excellent move'

The collection includes sculptures by major British artists such as Jacob Epstein, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Anthony Caro, Damien Hirst and Anish Kapoor.

Until now the sculptures have been housed in London, alongside 6,500 paintings, prints and photographs, by the Hayward Gallery.

The gallery will continue to manage, lend and take the collection on tour.

Gerry Robinson, chairman of the Arts Council said: "Locating the Arts Council Collection in Yorkshire, the birthplace of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, is an excellent move.

"It further enhances this region as a world centre for sculpture, enables more people than ever to enjoy the work of our leading sculptors, and will increase the profile of British sculpture in the UK and abroad."

Tim Llewellyn, director of The Henry Moore Foundation, said they were delighted to provide financial support.

International leader

Andy Carver, acting chief executive of Yorkshire Arts said: "I am extremely pleased that the relocation of the sculpture collection to Yorkshire has come to fruition.

"It underlines the region's position as an international leader in modern and contemporary sculpture.

"The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a unique regional and national resource with an international profile.

"Siting one of the country's three most significant sculpture collections in this wonderful regional location fulfils access and excellence in the best manner possible."