Meet the Angel of the North
Hello Friends!
About four years ago, my hubby, Howard, and I toured the British Isles. I had just started writing my book, How To Chat With Archangels, and someone told me there was an Angel sculpture in Newcastle (Gateshead) England that I absolutely had to see in person. And after doing a bit of research before the trip, I couldn’t wait to experience that Angel for myself!
The Angel of the North has become one of the most recognizable and talked about pieces of public art ever produced. It is considered as iconic to the area as the Statue of Liberty is to New York. Sculptor Antony Gormley was selected, in 1994, to design a sculpture above the site where coal miners had toiled in the dark for two hundred years.
About four years ago, my hubby, Howard, and I toured the British Isles. I had just started writing my book, How To Chat With Archangels, and someone told me there was an Angel sculpture in Newcastle (Gateshead) England that I absolutely had to see in person. And after doing a bit of research before the trip, I couldn’t wait to experience that Angel for myself!
The Angel of the North has become one of the most recognizable and talked about pieces of public art ever produced. It is considered as iconic to the area as the Statue of Liberty is to New York. Sculptor Antony Gormley was selected, in 1994, to design a sculpture above the site where coal miners had toiled in the dark for two hundred years.
As he worked, though, there was controversy about the project, as people weren’t sure about the design, or the materials used. But once it was completed in 1998, all those people, and many more, fell in love with the Angel.
The Angel of the North is believed to be the largest Angel sculpture in the world. Its 175-foot wingspan is bigger than a Boeing 757. It stands 65 feet high - the height of a five-story building. The Angel’s body weighs 100 tons while its wings weigh 50 tons each.
The Angel of the North is believed to be the largest Angel sculpture in the world. Its 175-foot wingspan is bigger than a Boeing 757. It stands 65 feet high - the height of a five-story building. The Angel’s body weighs 100 tons while its wings weigh 50 tons each.
There is enough steel in the sculpture to build four tanks, giving it the strength to withstand winds of more than 100 miles per hour. Below, massive concrete piles anchor the Angel to solid rock. Cor-ten steel, containing copper, helps resist weather, forming a patina on the surface to mellow with time.
Mr. Gormley said of his Angel, “The hilltop site is important and has the feeling of being a megalithic mound. When you think of the mining that was done underneath the site, there is a poetic resonance. Men worked beneath the surface in the dark. Now in the light, there is a celebration of this industry. The face will not have individual features. The effect of the piece is in the alertness, the awareness of space, and the gesture of the wings - they are not flat, they're about 3.5 degrees forward and give a sense of embrace.”
Well, dear readers, I have to tell you that visiting the Angel of the North was one of the most profound experiences I’ve ever had. First, I was able to catch glimpses of the huge sculpture through the windshield of the car as our driver drew closer to the site. It felt like the Angel beckoned me.
In my excitement, I leaped from the car almost before the driver pulled to a full stop. I didn’t even wait for Howard to catch up. As my feet pulled me forward into a run, I felt giddy as a child.
And then…I was beneath the wings of the Angel of the North! Tingling, electric waves of energy ingulfed me, in a way completely new to me. By the time Howard came over and stood beside me, tears of happiness shone in my eyes. Howard could feel it too. How was it possible? I don’t know. But there we were feeling these incredible vibrations.
Mr. Gormley said of his Angel, “The hilltop site is important and has the feeling of being a megalithic mound. When you think of the mining that was done underneath the site, there is a poetic resonance. Men worked beneath the surface in the dark. Now in the light, there is a celebration of this industry. The face will not have individual features. The effect of the piece is in the alertness, the awareness of space, and the gesture of the wings - they are not flat, they're about 3.5 degrees forward and give a sense of embrace.”
Well, dear readers, I have to tell you that visiting the Angel of the North was one of the most profound experiences I’ve ever had. First, I was able to catch glimpses of the huge sculpture through the windshield of the car as our driver drew closer to the site. It felt like the Angel beckoned me.
In my excitement, I leaped from the car almost before the driver pulled to a full stop. I didn’t even wait for Howard to catch up. As my feet pulled me forward into a run, I felt giddy as a child.
And then…I was beneath the wings of the Angel of the North! Tingling, electric waves of energy ingulfed me, in a way completely new to me. By the time Howard came over and stood beside me, tears of happiness shone in my eyes. Howard could feel it too. How was it possible? I don’t know. But there we were feeling these incredible vibrations.
I finally looked around to see what was going on nearby. So many people. Children running with glee. Families gathered for picnics on blankets on this warm, sunny, glorious day. I pointed out to Howard how everyone we looked at had a smile on their face. Was this because every soul could feel the love emanating from the Angel of the North? Yes. I’m convinced that’s the case!
If you ever have the opportunity to visit that area of England, please do yourself a favor and take the time to experience the Angel of the North! You’ll want to spend a long time in the Angel’s presence. And please send me an email describing your experience!
Angel Love and Light,
Debra
Angel Love and Light,
Debra
