| The Angel of the North is a magnificent modern | | | | withstand harsh winds of over 100mph. To tackle this |
| structure in Gateshead, near Newcastle. While the | | | | problem, a whopping 165 tonnes of concrete was |
| sculptures unusual appearance initially attracted some | | | | used to create a foundation for the sculpture, |
| local controversy, the Angel is now warmly regarded | | | | anchoring it firmly into 66ft of rocky ground. The |
| as a landmark of the North East and was chosen as | | | | coating of the Angel also had to be weatherproof, so |
| one of the UK’s twelve official ‘Icons of | | | | it was created out of weather-resistant steel that |
| England'. | | | | contains copper. This steel gives the sculpture its |
| Antony Gormley, creator of the Angel of the North, | | | | beautiful, warm reddish colour and will help the creation |
| wanted his sculpture to convey "a sense of embrace," | | | | to last for at least a century. |
| so he gave the Angel a massive wingspan of 175ft. | | | | Work started on the massive steel structure in 1994 |
| As it stands at the entrance of Tyneside, the | | | | and the project cost around £1million to complete. |
| Angel’s inviting, wide-open wings succeed in | | | | The Angel was cast in three separate pieces – the |
| warmly welcoming many visitors to Newcastle and | | | | body and two wings - at Hartlepool Steel Fabrications |
| Gateshead. In addition to its huge wingspan, the | | | | Ltd. After casting, the body alone weighed a massive |
| sculpture is 65ft tall, which is the equivalent of more | | | | 110 tonnes, whereas the vast wings weighed an |
| than four double decker buses. The imposing size of | | | | enormous 55 tonnes each. |
| this 208-tonne creation makes the name ‘Angel’ | | | | Speaking of his Angel, Gormley said: “I’m just |
| seem almost too delicate to be appropriate. | | | | interested in making the world a more exciting place to |
| The Angel of the North stands on the site of a former | | | | live.” As his creation is now enjoyed by around |
| colliery, acting as a constant reminder of the area’s | | | | 150,000 visitors per year, as well as being admired by |
| coal mining past. However, this location is rather | | | | over 90,00 motorists a day, he can certainly claim to |
| exposed, which meant that the Angel had to be built to | | | | have achieved his goal. |