Angel of the North
The Angel of the North is a modern public art sculpture located near Gateshead, England. It is an all-steel sculpture of an angel with outstretched wings, located on a hill overlooking the A1 and A167 roads into Tyneside. The artist Antony Gormley designed the sculpture which was majority funded by the National Lottery.
Gormley’s concept was to symbolise the past history of coal mining at the site, and the evolving hopes and fears as the industrial age evolved into the information age and beyond. He created the 3D design model of the sculpture by scanning his own body using innovative geomatics and plotting coordinates to create a virtual ‘angel’.
The structure is 20 m (66 ft) tall, with wings measuring 54 m (177 ft) across. The wings are angled forwards at 3.5-degrees, creating ‘a sense of embrace’.
Because it is located on an exposed hill, the sculpture was built to withstand wind speeds of over 100 mph (160 km/h). This was achieved by the inclusion of expressed steel ribs which help transmit wind loads to the foundations. The foundations themselves are formed by 600 tonnes of concrete, strengthened by 52 steel bolts 3 m long. Together with the concrete piles, these anchor the structure to rock 21 m (70 ft) below.
Work began on the project in 1994 at Hartlepool Steel Fabrications Ltd. using COR-TEN weather-resistant steel. The body, weighing 100 tonnes, and the two wings, each weighing 50 tonnes, were built separately and transported to the site for assembly.
The sculpture was unveiled in February 1998, having cost £800,000. Initially, the project provoked controversy in the media and with local councils, however, it has since come to be seen as a landmark and an iconic symbol of Tyneside. It is visited by more than 150,000 people a year, and is seen by up to 90,000 people a day as they pass by road or rail.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.