1. Bronze: Moore extensively used bronze for casting his sculptures. He appreciated its durability, strength, and the ability to capture intricate details in the final form.
2. Stone: Moore considered stone to be one of the most sympathetic materials for sculpting, as it has been utilized by artists throughout history. He carved various sculptures from different stones such as alabaster, marble, travertine, and limestone.
3. Wood: Moore occasionally used wood, especially in his earlier works. He carved organic forms and created textured surfaces by sculpting, gouging, and burning the wood.
4. Plaster: Moore often used plaster as a medium to create preliminary models and maquettes of his sculptures. These plaster studies allowed him to experiment with forms, proportions, and poses before working on the final material.
5. Resin: Moore used synthetic resin, such as polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass, to produce enlarged versions of his sculptures. These resin sculptures allowed for larger-scale works that could be displayed outdoors.
6. Lead: Moore rarely used lead due to its toxicity and the physical limitations it imposed on the scale and complexity of sculptures. However, he did create some lead sculptures, particularly in his early career.
7. String and Wire: In some of his works, Moore used strings or wires to create skeletal frameworks and outlines, which added an element of transparency and tension to the sculptures.
It's important to note that Moore's material selection also depended on the specific aesthetic qualities and textures he sought to achieve in each artwork.