Angel 25
- Photo competition
- Angel 25 events
- Celebrating in the community
- Gateshead schools programme
- Silver Angel Adventures
On 15 February 1998, Gateshead residents noticed the arrival of a new neighbour who changed the landscape and views forever. 208 tonnes of steel, 20 metres high and seen by an estimated 30 million people each year, Antony Gormley's Angel is now recognised around the world as one of the most important pieces of public art. This year marks our Angel's 25th birthday and we're looking forward to celebrating this key milestone.
How can you get involved?
Photo competition
Take a photo of the Angel from interesting viewpoints and share on our Gateshead Alive Facebook page or on Instagram using the all important #AngelViews25. How far away have you seen the Angel? Have you taken a photo from a completely different perspective? The more unusual the better.
Three winners will receive signed copies of Antony Gormley's Making an Angel book plus other goodies.
The closing date for entries is 5pm, 5 June 2023.
Angel 25 events
Emerald Explorers Angel wellbeing day (Public)
Yoga, aromatherapy and making activity for everyday angels who need a bit of pampering.
Friday 10 Feb, 10am-3pm, Caedmon Hall, Gateshead Central Library
Do you have an angel in your life that needs some pampering, or do you never have time to relax yourself as you're looking after other people? If you're an exhausted parent or carer or just need some time to relax, this workshop is for you. Take some time out of your normal routine to slow down, be creative and unwind in this wellbeing workshop. The day will include a relaxed yoga session for beginners, a workshop exploring fragrance and aromatherapy with Louise Rea and a creative activity with Josie Brookes focusing on positivity and gratitude.
£15 (£10 for Art Diamonds), pre-booking is essential. Please note: a refund may be requested up to 7 days prior to the event.
Gateshead live art workshop with Bethan Laker (Public)
Tuesday 14 Feb, 10.30am-1pm, Wailes Room, Gateshead Central Library
Celebrate the Angel of the North's 25th anniversary by creating your own artwork inspired by Gateshead's famous sculpture. The theme for this year's birthday is 'Angel Views' and during this workshop, artist Bethan Laker will guide you through how to create your own unique artwork using pen and ink drawing and typography.
Ages 18+, £10 (£5 for Art Diamonds), pre-booking is essential.
Needle felting workshop: make the Angel of the North
Thursday 16 February, 10am-1pm, Shipley Art Gallery
Mark the Angel's 25th birthday by making your own needle felted angel. While there you can also view the wooden Angel of the North maquette.
Suitable for adults and teenagers (beginners or people with experience).
£30 plus booking fee.
Family Arts Festival: Angel of the North's birthday party
Tuesday 21 February, 3 sessions, 10.15-11.30am, 12noon-1.15pm, 2-3.15pm, Shipley Art Gallery
Celebrate the Angel of the North's 25th birthday by coming along to make birthday cards and party hats.
£3 per participant, non-participating adults/children/babies go free but require a ticket.
Family Arts Festival: Make an Angel of the North
Thursday 23 February, 3 sessions, 10.15-11.30am, 12noon-1.15pm, 2-3.15pm, Shipley Art Gallery
Make your own model Angel to mark the iconic landmarks 25th birthday. Sketch out your design and then get creative with different materials to make your own 3D model to take home.
£3 per participant, non-participating adults/children/babies go free but require a ticket.
Celebrating in the community
Digital Voice and members of the Gateshead Art Diamonds have worked with artist Laura Crow and writer Susan Mulholland on a short animated film.
'I am Home' is a love-letter to the Angel, a recognition of its significance in the North East and beyond and a fitting birthday tribute.
Gateshead schools programme
Six of our primary schools are working with artists Josie Brookes, Michelle Wood, Danielle Burn and Elizabeth Kane to explore the theme of 'Angel Views' and what the Angel means to them. The schools are Harlow Green Primary School, St Aidan's Primary School, Oakfield Infants/Junior School, Birtley East Primary School, St Anne's RC Primary School and Kibblesworth Academy.
Silver Angel Adventures
Over 20 Art Diamonds, Library Knitters and U3A knitters have made lovely, knitted angels. They'll be flying off to Gateshead primary schools to start their Angel adventures as part of the 25th anniversary programme. Schools are invited to take photos of their silver angels going on adventures with their pupils both at school, on trips and at weekends.
Our knitted angels have been delivered to schools across the borough and we can't wait to start seeing where they go on their adventures.