Angel of the North

After work today Helen and I stopped by The Angel of the North to take some photos. The last image is Helen standing on the Angels feet. This shows just how big this statue is. Our North East Landmark.

The 208-tonne “Angel” basically takes the form of a human figure based on artist Antony Gormley's own body. At 20 metres high, the Angel is higher than a five-storey building. Its wings are 54 metres wide - almost the same as a jumbo jet. Overlooking the A1 at Gateshead, at least 90,000 motorists a day will pass by the sculpture. Rail passengers travelling on the East Coast mainline from London to Edinburgh will also see the angel as they approach Newcastle. It is made of weather resistant steel, containing copper, which forms a patina on the surface that mellows with age. Below the structure are massive concrete piles 22 metres deep anchoring it to the solid rock beneath The body is hollow to allow for internal inspections with an access door high up on a shoulder bladeIt is built to last for more than 100 years and withstand winds of more than 100 miles per hour.