Angel of the North Facts for Kids

The Angel of the North is a huge and famous sculpture located in Gateshead, England. It was created by a well-known English artist named Anthony Gormley. This amazing artwork was started in 1994 and officially completed in 1998. It's built from strong materials like copper, concrete, and a special type of steel that changes color over time.

What is the Angel of the North?
- How Big is the Angel of the North?
  - Why is it so Big?
Who Created the Angel of the North?
- What Materials Were Used?
  - Why These Materials?
Why Was it Built?
- What Does it Represent?
  - Where is it Located?
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What is the Angel of the North?

The Angel of the North is one of the most famous artworks in the UK. It is a modern sculpture, which is a piece of art made by shaping materials. This giant angel stands tall near the A1 road in Gateshead. It has become a symbol of the North East of England.

How Big is the Angel of the North?

This impressive sculpture is very large! It stands 20 metres (66 feet) high. That's about the same height as four double-decker buses stacked on top of each other. Its wings are even wider, stretching 54 metres (177 feet) across. This is almost as wide as a Boeing 747 jumbo jet. The Angel of the North weighs about 200 tonnes. That's like 200 small cars!

Why is it so Big?

The artist, Anthony Gormley, wanted the sculpture to be very big. He wanted it to be seen by many people. Its size helps it stand out in the landscape. It also makes a big impact on everyone who sees it.

Who Created the Angel of the North?

The Angel of the North was designed by Antony Gormley. He is a famous British sculptor. Gormley is known for making art that explores the human body and its place in the world. He has created many other well-known sculptures around the world.

What Materials Were Used?

The Angel of the North is made from three main materials:

Weathering steel: This is a special type of steel. It rusts on the outside, but this rust forms a protective layer. This layer stops the steel from rusting all the way through. It gives the sculpture its unique reddish-brown color.
Concrete: The sculpture is held firmly in place by deep concrete foundations. These foundations go 20 metres (66 feet) into the ground. They help the huge angel stand strong against the wind.
Copper: While the main structure is steel, copper was also used in some parts.

Why These Materials?

The artist chose these materials for their strength and durability. They can withstand all kinds of weather. The weathering steel also changes color over time. This makes the sculpture feel like it's alive and part of its surroundings.

Why Was it Built?

The Angel of the North was built as a landmark. It marks the site of a former coal mine. It also represents the changing times in the region. The sculpture celebrates the past industrial heritage of the area. It also looks forward to a new future.

What Does it Represent?

The Angel of the North has several meanings:

It remembers the coal miners who worked underground for centuries.
It shows the shift from an industrial past to a new information age.
It is a symbol of hope and protection for the future.
It represents the spirit of the North East.

Where is it Located?

The sculpture is located on a hill in Gateshead. It overlooks the A1 and A167 roads. This means millions of people see it every year. It has become a popular meeting point and a symbol of the region.

Images for kids

Gateshead Garden Festival was held in 1990 and signalled an emerging arts policy in the borough.
Vertical parallel ribs run from the head of the Angel of the North (pictured) down the rest of its body.
The statue viewed from a train on the nearby East Coast Mainline