6 Facts About the Angel of the North: The UK’s Most Iconic Modern Sculpture

The Angel of the North is more than just a sculpture — it’s a national landmark, a symbol of Northern pride, and one of the most recognised public artworks in the United Kingdom. Standing tall on a hill in Gateshead, this enormous rust-red angel spreads its wings over the North East, welcoming millions of travellers every year.

From engineering wonders to surprising fun facts, here are six of the most fascinating facts about the Angel of the North, along with everything you need to know about its height, wingspan, history, and purpose.

1. The Angel of the North Is the Largest Angel Sculpture in the World

The Angel of the North statue holds a global record — it is the largest angel sculpture on Earth. Designed by the renowned British artist Antony Gormley, the work towers at:

• 20 metres (66 feet) tall
• 54 metres (177 feet) wide, thanks to its enormous wing span

To put that in perspective:

• The height equals the size of a five-storey building.
• The wingspan is larger than a Boeing 757 jet.

No other angel sculpture in history matches this size, making it not only a symbol of the North but a global icon of contemporary public art.

This scale was intentional. Gormley wanted the Angel to be a landmark people could not ignore — a modern monument standing proudly above the North East landscape.

2. It Was Built Using Enough Steel to Make 16 Double-Decker Buses

One of the most incredible facts about the Angel of the North is how much material went into creating it. The sculpture is made from Corten steel, a weather-resistant material that forms a protective rust-like patina.

Here’s what went into its construction:

• 200 tons of steel total
• 100 tons for the body
• 50 tons for each wing

This is equivalent to the amount of steel needed to build 16 double-decker buses.

The durability of Corten steel means the sculpture will continue to withstand harsh winds, heavy rain, frost, and heat for over 100 years — exactly what the artist intended.

3. The Angel of the North Is Held in Place by Deep Foundations 20 Metres Underground

When people ask “How does the Angel of the North stand up?”, the answer is simple: heavy-duty engineering.

Because of its size and the strong winds on the hill where it stands, engineers needed to anchor the sculpture securely. They installed:

• Massive concrete foundations
• Piles driven 20 metres (65 feet) into the ground

The foundations weigh even more than the sculpture itself, ensuring the angel stays firmly in position against storms and North East weather.

This is one of the lesser-known Angel of the North facts, highlighting the powerful teamwork between art and engineering that helped create this top UK landmark.

4. Over 330 Million People See the Angel of the North Each Year

Whether you call it the Angel of the North Gateshead, Angel of North UK, or simply “The Angel,” one thing is certain: it is one of the most viewed sculptures in the world.

Every year:

• 330,000,000 people see it from the A1 and A167 roads
• Millions more see it from the East Coast Main Line railway
• Thousands visit the site on foot for photos, sunsets, and sightseeing

Very few artworks receive this kind of daily exposure, making it one of the most recognisable pieces of public art on the planet.

The sculpture is especially stunning at night, and many visitors search for Angel of the North at night or use it as a key landmark when travelling through Newcastle, Gateshead, and the wider North East.

5. It Was Completed in 1998 — And Has Never Been Moved

Many people wonder “When was the Angel of the North built?” or “Has the Angel of the North ever been dismantled?”

Here is the timeline:

• Designed: Early 1990s
• Construction began: 1994
• Transported piece by piece: 1998
• Officially unveiled: February 1998

Since installation, the sculpture has never been moved. Although discussions occasionally appear online about whether “the Angel of the North is being moved”, these are only rumours. The sculpture’s foundations were designed to last over a century, and it will stay exactly where it is.

As of today, the Angel of the North is over 25 years old, yet it remains as strong and visually powerful as the day it was unveiled.

6. The Sculpture Cost £800,000 to Make — But Today It’s Priceless

The entire project cost £800,000, funded by:

• Gateshead Council
• The National Lottery
• Arts organisations
• Private donors

But here’s the surprising part:

Antony Gormley created several smaller models — called maquettes — before finalising the design.
In 2011, one of these models sold for £3.4 million at auction.

This single sale was worth over four times the cost of the full-size sculpture itself.

Today, the Angel of the North is considered priceless due to its cultural significance, recognition, public value, and its role in shaping Northern identity.

Also read : https://citytoursuk.com/20-interesting-facts-about-york/

Why Was the Angel of the North Built?

Antony Gormley’s purpose behind creating the Angel of the North included:

1. A Monument to the Industrial Past
The sculpture stands on the site of a former coal mine. It honours the generations of miners who worked below the surface.

2. A Symbol of Hope for the Future
Gormley intended the angel to represent transition, change, and the future of the North as the region moved from industrial to modern technology and service sectors.

3. A Universal Human Message
The arms-outstretched pose symbolises care, protection, and welcome — a gesture that resonates with people of every background.

Commonly Asked Questions About the Angel of the North (FAQs)

1. Where is the Angel of the North located?
It is located in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, near Newcastle upon Tyne in North East England.

2. How tall is the Angel of the North?
The sculpture is 20 metres (66 feet) tall.

3. What is the wingspan of the Angel of the North?
The wings stretch 54 metres (177 feet) from tip to tip.

4. Who built the Angel of the North?
It was designed by Antony Gormley and constructed by a team of engineers and fabricators in Hartlepool and Gateshead.

5. Why does the Angel look rusted?
It is made from Corten steel, which forms a protective rusty layer to prevent weather damage.

6. Can the Angel of the North be moved?
No. Its foundations are 20 metres deep, and it was engineered to remain in place for over 100 years.

Planning to Visit the Angel of the North? Contact City Tours UK

If you’re exploring Newcastle, Gateshead, or planning a Northern England trip, City Tours UK offers easy, comfortable, and affordable tour options.

Whether you’re a family, a student group, international tourists, or local explorers, City Tours UK helps you experience the landmark without stress.