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Angel shares 10th birthday

To celebrate the 10th birthday of the Angel of the North on 14 February, Gateshead Council is looking for children born on the same day the Angel was installed. The search is on to find every child in the North East born on 14th February 1998, who will be invited to take part in a joint photograph to celebrate reaching double figures beside the sculpture itself.

The 20-metre high Antony Gormley sculpture, which cost £800,000, was commissioned by Gateshead Council to create a millennial image and landmark of the region’s character.

Councillor Mick Henry, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: “People across our borough, our region and our country have taken the Angel of the North to their hearts over the past 10 years. In the early days people were not easily convinced that this magnificent sculpture would be a success but the test of time has proven that not only do people like it but they are extremely proud of it too.

“It seems only right that we celebrate its birthday with all those 10 year olds out there that perhaps don’t realise that they share the same anniversary.”

It took four years to design, manufacture and get the Angel in place on site. It took 20 men working full-time for six months to finish, and 20 metre foundations were dug into solid rock to anchor the Angel in place.

Gateshead Council is asking the parents of all 10 year olds born on 14 February 1998 to visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/angel and follow the guidelines.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .