Angel Of The North

It is, therefore, rather sad to read the intemperate comments of some recent HAS correspondents regarding the wonderful Angel of the North, a true regional icon.

The desire of one writer to blow up the sculpture seems to be wildly over the top and, even in jest, rather sinister and unwise in the present political climate.

The correspondent who feels the need to avert their eyes when passing the sculpture perhaps has issues that go beyond the aesthetics of the monument.

However, it is obvious that Antony Gormley’s work engenders strong feelings and it makes one wonder what alternative he might have considered erecting in such a hotbed of culture.

I have it – a large model of a bottle of Newcastle Brown.

Howay the lads.

VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland.

EVERYTHING is in the eye of the beholder. I do not appreciate modern sculptures, but the idea that as one travels north we get a glimpse of what might be an angel has some sort of surrealist appeal to me.

Both sides during the First World War were reputed to have seen an angel at Mons (in all probability a particular cloud formation with the sun glimmering through). My mother told me that it struck terror into the Germans and encouraged the British – God’s way of indicating which side he was on.

On the way from Moscow Airport to the city centre there is a sculpture which is an ugly monstrosity. But it is fitting because it indicates how near Hitler’s army came to Moscow, and the consequences if he had captured the city.

In Paris, I hate the Pompidou Centre. When the Eiffel Tower was built many did not like it, but it is now a great attraction.

Our thoughts on the built environment tell others a great deal about ourselves. Thus, when I describe sculptures and buildings I have encountered I allow others a glance into my soul. Could the same be said of those who criticise the Angel of the North?

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.