Gateshead's identity, the relationship of the “Angel of The North” sculpture with the region and its impact on regional change

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 11 - 21

İlhan Kaya , Muhammet Hanifi Zengin

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15074846

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the process of identity formation and symbolization of the “Angel of the North” sculpture, a public artwork, and its effects on the region. The Angel of the North sculpture by sculptor Antony Gormley has served as a catalyst for the cultural regeneration of Gateshead, England. Like the statue of “Liberty”, which is part of the identity of New York City, and “Christ the Redeemer”, the symbol of Rio de Janeiro, the Angel has become a symbol of Gateshead and one of the most talked about sculptures in the world. Such artworks created in cities are transformers of space that occupy their surroundings, transforming and interacting the society both culturally and economically. The purpose of artistic forms that affect the imagination of the society is to activate the space as well as to ensure the continuity of sensory sensation. In order for artificial components, which have an important role in the identity formation of cities, to be in harmony with the natural structure, it is important that they establish a connection with the cultural and historical past of the environment, for example; it is important that a sculpture is inspired by that region in order to be inscribed in the history of that city and also to be internalized and understood by the people of the region. The Angel of the North has also established a historical and cultural connection with its surroundings and has become a work of art that can be taken as an example to discuss the contribution of a sculpture to its surroundings in creating a city identity. The sculpture aims to appreciate the services of miners in the area, which was used as a coal mine for many years and then abandoned, to represent the transition from the industrial age to the information age and to be a focal point for hopes. In cities, a work of art designed in harmony with its surroundings creates meanings and memories for people, affects the concept of urban identity in social, cultural and economic terms, and creates a difference in the degree of recall with its distinctive features, and places with character like people are needed.

Keywords

Angel of the North, Gateshead, Sculpture, Urban identity

Ethical Statement

This research does not require ethical committee approval.

Supporting Institution

No funding was used.

Thanks

The authors contributed equally.

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