Angel of the North
Sightseeing attraction | Gateshead | England | United Kingdom
Attractions in Gateshead
The "Angel of the North" in Gateshead, England, is one of the most famous and distinctive landmarks in Britain and an iconic symbol of the northeast of the country. This monumental sculpture, created by renowned British artist Antony Gormley, has towered majestically over the landscape since its completion in 1998, welcoming travelers along the busy A1 road. Standing at 20 meters tall with a wingspan of 54 meters, it is one of the largest sculptures in the United Kingdom and has become a cultural landmark that has both inspired admiration and controversy.
Sculptures by Antony Gormley
The history of the "Angel of the North" began in the early 1990s when Gateshead Council commissioned a artwork to honor the region's industrial past and signify a new beginning. Antony Gormley, known for his works featuring human forms, was chosen to undertake this ambitious project. The sculpture was erected on a hill that was once part of a coal mine - a symbolic location reflecting the transition from industrial labor to the modern era. After four years of planning and construction, supported by a grant from the Arts Council England and engineering work by Ove Arup & Partners, the "Angel" was unveiled on February 15, 1998.
Cultural landmarks in Northeast England
The sculpture itself is an impressive depiction of an angel with outstretched wings, more reminiscent of airplane wings than traditional angel wings. It is made of weather-resistant steel that has developed a rusty, reddish-brown patina over time, blending harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. Weighing 200 tons and with a foundation reaching 20 meters deep into the ground, it is designed to withstand wind speeds of over 160 km/h - a necessity in the often rough northern English weather. Gormley described the "Angel" as a tribute to the miners who toiled underground and as a "guardian" guiding people into a new era.
History of the Angel of the North
The significance of the "Angel of the North" goes beyond its physical presence. For many locals, it is a symbol of the pride and resilience of a region that sought a new path after the decline of the coal and steel industries. It marks Gateshead as a place of cultural renewal, in a city now known for its modern architecture such as the Sage Gateshead and the Millennium Bridge. Its unveiling was not without controversy: critics cited the high costs and called it "Gormley's Folly" or a "rusty eyesore". However, over time, it won the hearts of people and became a popular meeting point and photo opportunity.
Public art installations in the UK
The surroundings of the "Angel" enhance its impression. It stands on a grassy hill overlooking the Team Valley and the skyline of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the distance. The open landscape invites visitors to view the sculpture from different perspectives, whether from below where its immense size is most striking, or from a distance where it looms like a silent guardian over the region. Visitors can freely walk around the sculpture, and a small picnic area and parking lot make it an accessible destination for day trips. Its proximity to the highway ensures that it is seen daily by thousands of drivers, further enhancing its role as a landmark.
The "Angel of the North" is not just an artwork, but also a technical masterpiece. Its wings are slightly tilted forward, giving them a sense of movement or embrace - a deliberate choice by Gormley to make the sculpture appear alive. The steel was manufactured in Hartlepool, another center of northeastern industry, and assembled on site in three parts. This connection to local craftsmanship reflects the spirit that the sculpture aims to honor. Additionally, Gormley used his own body as a model for the angel, creating casts of himself, giving the figure a personal, human touch.
Over the years, the "Angel" has acquired a cultural significance that extends far beyond Gateshead. It has been immortalized in films, music videos, and art projects and is a staple of British pop culture. Particularly impressive are the seasonal changes: in winter, it stands out dramatically against the snow, while in summer, it is surrounded by green hills. The rust of the steel has proven to be an advantage, as it requires no maintenance and only gains character over time.
