Verbal Description Transcript:

On this tour, you’ll hear the word ‘mobile’ used to describe Calder’s sculptures. This means that all or part of the sculpture can move in the changing air currents. When the whole sculpture is hanging from the ceiling, it is called a hanging mobile, and when there is a standing base, with moving parts attached, it is called a standing mobile. You will also hear the term ‘stabile’ to describe other sculptures, which means a standing sculpture without moving parts. Most of the works described are abstract. You’ll hear the word ‘element’ used often in these descriptions: this refers to the abstract parts or pieces that go up to make the works.