Robert Hampton

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23rd June 2014

# Here’s the angel! See the angel! It’s my angel, no-one else’s, next to the rakes #
Posted by at 10.04pm | 1 response | Out and About

On the Friday morning of my stay in Newcastle, I hopped aboard a bus. It was one of those magic talking buses. “The next stop is Widdleton Crossroads,” it said. “If this is your stop, ring the bell once and remain seated until the bus stops.”

At EVERY stop. EVERY 30 seconds. Needless to say it got a bit wearing after a while. However, it did come in handy when, after about 20 minutes or so, I heard the announcement for “Angel of the North”.

Having said that, it’s quite hard to miss the stop – there’s a noticeable landmark nearby.

Angel of the North

My problem at this point – how to get to it. Between the bus stop and the Angel was a fearsome six-lane expressway, with little indication of how to cross it. I eventually worked out that you have to walk down to the roundabout, cross there, and follow a footpath back up.

I suppose technically there is a signpost…

Road by the Angel Obscured sign

Still, it was worth risking getting mown down by articulated lorries to see the majestic statue up close. Antony Gormley has created many fine works (including, of course, the Another Place installation on Crosby beach) but this is a true classic.

Angel of the North Angel of the North

Be honest, when you think of Newcastle, what is the first thing that comes into your head? Is it this, perchance?

Angel of the North

There were people dotted around taking selfies, all outstretched arms and silly grins. That’s not the correct approach to a profound piece of public art.

Robert and the Angel of the North

Much more dignified.

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One Response
  1. Comment by P. Z. Temperton
    23rd June 2014 at 10:29 pm

    I think that statue thing is absolutely hideous.