It is often the case that there is massive opposition to a project undertaken in the name of art. The Angel was indeed controversial. But, as far as I know, it has now been accepted and indeed is much loved. If nothing else, it has become an icon of The North.
What I hadn't been aware of, mostly because I hadn't given it much thought, was how much work was involved in erecting it. I realised that it was quite big. And of course quite heavy. But I hadn't associated that with the transport and foundations needed for such a massive work in such an exposed location. Read about it here.
Anyway, it is quite fabulous and, on the day we visited, was crowded with people who had just stopped to stand and stare. Here are a couple of shots for you.
Another thing I've always wanted to see for myself. Great pics, love the first one silhouetted against the sun.
ReplyDeleteThat's good; had to lie of the ground to get that one. Worth seeing, Mitch.
Deleteyou got some beautiful shots/and angles.... amazing that we don't often associate the how things got there with the final display.... pretty amazing....
ReplyDeleteEspecially when it's obviously heavy and must be fixed to the ground somehow and must have been made somewhere else. It is more spectacular than I expected.
DeleteI read somewhere that after they put it up the accident rate on the road past it shot up because people stopped looking where they were going to catch a glimpse of it!
ReplyDeleteIt is a very cool statue, and I've seen it quite a few times now. I like it :)
I liked it too. It was even better in the flesh (or iron). It was in fact a little off the beaten track, but the brown signs along the main road pointing to it probably didn't help keep eyes on the road.
DeleteWe're off to Northumberland in a few weeks, and while we've passed it on the way to Newcastle before, we've never stopped. Is there room to park a caravan Neil?
ReplyDeleteSome thoughts below. BTW we stayed in Alnwick, visited Holy Island, the Ship at Newton (hikers pub), Bamburgh Castle and Hadrians Wall. If you want any thoughts on those before I get round to posting anything, let me know.
DeleteYes. There is a small car park, but (other cars permitting) there should be room. The problem is getting back onto the A1. You have to turn off onto the A167 to stop and then can only turn left out of the car park. So either continue round Newcastle back to A1 or do a tricky manoeuvre down to Hertford and Harlow Green Lane and back onto the A167 back to where you turned off the A1 or go the other way down Hertford and Chowdene Bank back to another junction with A1. I did the latter and its not the biggest road in the world and a bit steep; not sure with a caravan. Worth stopping though (and there's usually an ice cream van . . .
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