The sculpture's body shape was modeled on a plaster cast of Antony Gormley's own body.
The wings are angled 3.5 degrees forward to create a sense of embrace.
The steel used is 'Corten' steel, which is designed to develop a rust-colored patina that protects the underlying metal from further corrosion.
The sculpture is estimated to last for more than 100 years.
It was nicknamed 'Gateshead Flasher' by locals shortly after its unveiling.
The wingspan is comparable to that of a jumbo jet, despite the statue being only 20 meters tall.
The project cost approximately £800,000, funded largely by the National Lottery.
The statue is located on the site of the former Team Colliery, which closed in the 1960s.
The Angel of the North is a 20-meter-tall contemporary steel sculpture designed by Antony Gormley, located in Gateshead, United Kingdom. It stands on the site of a former colliery, positioned atop a hill that overlooks the A1 motorway. The structure has a wingspan of 54 meters, which is wider than the wingspan of a Boeing 757. It was constructed using 200 tonnes of structural steel designed to withstand wind speeds of over 100 miles per hour. The sculpture is anchored by concrete foundations that descend 20 meters into the ground to provide stability. It was officially unveiled to the public in February 1998.
From the bottom of the hill looking up to capture the scale against the sky.
Wear sturdy footwear if you plan to walk up the grass hill to the base of the statue.
Check local weather forecasts before visiting, as the site is exposed and can be very windy.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Team Valley area if you require refreshments, as there are no facilities at the base of the statue.
Do not attempt to climb the sculpture itself, as it is strictly prohibited and dangerous.
