The angel assembled in one day: 20 years ago
Since spreading its wings in February 1998, Antony Gormley’s The Angel of the North has become one of the most talked about and recognisable pieces of public art ever produced – winning many accolades and awards along the way. The Angel welcomes visitors to Gateshead and is seen by one person every second – that’s 90,000 every day or 33 million every year. Completed on February 16th 1998, the COR-TEN weather-resistant steel angel measures 20 metres in height with wings 54m across. It was made in three parts—with the body weighing 100 tonnes and two wings weighing 50 tonnes each — then brought to its site by road and assembled in one day.
Images are by a nearby resident, one of our contributors, Sally Ann Norman
Angel of the North, under construction. Angel of the North under construction, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Crane lifting Angel of the North, under construction. Angel of the North under construction, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Angel of the North construction. Angel of the North under construction, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Angel of the North, under construction with lorry and crane. Angel of the North under construction, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Angel of the North, under construction. Angel of the North under construction, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Angel of the North, under construction lifting a wing. Angel of the North under construction, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Angel Of The North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: ANTONY GORMLEY (ARTIST). THE ANGEL OF THE NORTH ANTONY GORMLEY.
Angel of the North, shortly after installation. Angel of the North under construction, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Angel Of The North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: ANTONY GORMLEY (ARTIST). ANGEL OF THE NORTH ANTONY GORMLEY.
Distant side elevation across trees. Angel of the North under construction, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Sculpture’s head. Angel of the North under construction, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Foggy scene with Angel of the North shortly after installation. Angel of the North under construction, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Sunset, part of a project about a day in the life of the Angel of the North. The photographs were taken between 7am and 7pm on 6 November 2015. Angel of the North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
First snow with sculpture in distance. Angel of the North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Side view of sculpture. Angel of the North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Scale juxtaposition, part of a project about a day in the life of the Angel of the North. The photographs were taken between 7am and 7pm on 6 November 2015. Angel of the North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Distant view across grass. Angel of the North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Silhouette of sculpture with single figure. Angel of the North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
The sculptor and artist Antony Gormley at The Angel of the North in Gateshead. Angel of the North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Side elevation of sunlit sculpture in landscape. Angel of the North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Side elevation at sunset with silhouetted sculpture and first snow on grounds. Angel of the North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Side elevation at sunset with silhouetted sculpture and first snow on grounds. Angel of the North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Front elevation with sculpture and first snow on grounds. Angel of the North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Oblique elevation with sculpture and first snow on grounds. Angel of the North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.
Silhouette in park. Angel of the North, Gateshead, United Kingdom. Architect: Antony Gormley, 1998.