The Angel of the North sculpture by Antony Gormley was unveiled in Gateshead in 1998 and has since become one of the most iconic and celebrated landmarks in the world.
The human figure is a dominant theme in Gormley's work and many of his sculptures including the Angel of the North reference his own body.
Artists and designers often use maquettes to test ideas before producing the final form and these are rarely seen by the public. This maquette produced by Gormley during the development of the Angel of the North is made from plaster and balsa wood. It has not been seen on public display since 1997 when it was part of the 'Angel Models' exhibition at Greenesfield British Rail works, which aimed to introduce the public to the scale, design and concept of the Angel of the North. This maquette was used by Gormley to cast the bronze replica of the Angel that is on display at Gateshead Civic Centre.
Wood and Plaster Maquette, 1:20 model
By Anthony Gormley (born 1950)
Restored by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, 2012
On loan from Gateshead Council Collection.
On display at the Shipley Art Gallery, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums
www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk
