Angel of the North 1998

Antony Gormley's Angel of the North, a sculpture made of weathering steel, has been a prominent landmark near Gateshead, England, since its installation in 1998. Gormley's work is rooted in a deep engagement with the human form, often using his own body as a cast. But here, in a former industrial landscape scarred by coal mining, the angel takes on additional layers of meaning. Its imposing scale and rusted surface evoke the region's industrial past, while its outstretched wings suggest hope and regeneration. The sculpture was commissioned as part of a broader effort to revitalize the region, and can be seen as an attempt to create a new, more positive identity. Its reception was not without controversy, as some locals initially resisted what they saw as an intrusion on their landscape. But over time, the Angel has become a beloved symbol of the Northeast, and its success highlights the complex relationship between art, place, and identity. To fully understand the Angel's significance, one might consult local archives, planning documents, and public reactions to trace its evolution as a cultural icon.