Angel of the North and Tanni Grey-Thompson among Lottery legends

To mark the milestone, Thomas Duke’s photography exhibition celebrating 30 'Game Changing Moments' is now on display at The National Portrait Gallery in London and online.

The exhibition features the Angel of the North and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson,  alongside other iconic moments supported by Lottery funding, such as the success of Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.

On its 30th anniversary, The National Lottery has announced it has hit a landmark figure of £50billion raised for good causes.

The Angel of the North has stood as a symbol of hope and pride for the North East since it was unveiled in Gateshead in 1998. As one of the most recognisable landmarks in Britain, this towering sculpture owes its existence, in part, to funding from the National Lottery.

Joining the Angel in this celebration is one of the North East’s most inspirational figures, Paralympic legend Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who lives in Stockton.

Her record-breaking career benefited from National Lottery funding for sport. Together, these icons highlight the breadth of the Lottery’s impact, from cultural landmarks to individual achievement.

When Sir Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North was first proposed, few could have imagined its profound effect on the region’s identity.

Sir Antony Gormley's Angel of the North, unveiled in 1998,is one of the most memorable cultural moments of the last three decades made possible with the help of National Lottery funding (Image: THOMAS DUKE)

Made possible with Lottery support, the Angel rose to prominence as a symbol of regeneration, drawing visitors from across the world and becoming an icon of the North East.

Mr Duke’s work reimagines the Angel within the context of its cultural significance, connecting it to the broader legacy of Lottery-funded projects nationwide.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England and chair of the UK National Lottery Forum said: “The Game Changing Moments featured in the 30th birthday exhibition launched today are the culmination of years of funding, commitment, training, belief, volunteering, tenacity and much, much more.

“The National Lottery’s impact on arts, film, heritage, sports, and communities across the UK is unparalleled. For three decades, it has empowered individuals and communities, enabling thousands of transformative projects.

"As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we look forward to building on this legacy, ensuring the arts and culture continue to flourish, and supporting even more Game Changing Moments for future generations.”

Tanni Grey-Thompson’s career, supported by Lottery-funded investment in sport, represents another triumph for the North East. Over her career, Tanni became one of the most decorated Paralympians in history, winning 11 gold medals across five Paralympic Games.

Thanks to National Lottery funding, initiatives such as talent development programs and improved facilities have helped athletes like Tanni excel on the global stage.

The funding has also powered more than 1,000 Olympic and Paralympic medals for Team GB since 1994, inspiring future generations of athletes.

Thomas Duke's image of Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson won two gold medals at the 2005 Paralympic World Cup in Manchester (Image: THOMAS DUKE)

Tanni has often spoken about how vital this support was to her career and how it continues to shape opportunities for young athletes in the region.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England and chair of the UK National Lottery Forum said: “The Game Changing Moments featured in the 30th birthday exhibition launched today are the culmination of years of funding, commitment, training, belief, volunteering, tenacity and much, much more.

“The National Lottery’s impact on arts, film, heritage, sports, and communities across the UK is unparalleled. For three decades, it has empowered individuals and communities, enabling thousands of transformative projects.

"As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we look forward to building on this legacy, ensuring the arts and culture continue to flourish, and supporting even more Game Changing Moments for future generations.”