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Angel of the North's birthday

Anthony Gormley's Angel of the North is celebrating its 15th birthday.

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Exhibition held to mark Angel of the North's 15th birthday

A special exhibition has gone on display to mark the 15th anniversary of the Angel of the North in Gateshead.

The sculpture, which has been visited by more than two million people, was completed on this day in 1998.

To mark the occasion a rarely seen prototype, used by designer Antony Gormley, has been unveiled at an art gallery in the North East.

The scale version of the sculpture has been in storage for the last 15 years but was recently restored by the Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums Service.

A group of children from St Joseph's Primary School in Gateshead also attended the unveiling of the maquette.

"It's difficult to believe that it's so long ago that we welcomed the Angel of the North to its home in Gateshead.

At the same time, it's hard to imagine Gateshead without it.

The Angel has become part of what makes Gateshead, the North East and indeed even Britain, special."

– Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Council

"The Angel of the North is intrinsic to the landscape of the North East region now, a true iconic figure.

We're very excited to welcome this extraordinary item to the Shipley Art Gallery."

– Julie Milne, chief curator of Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums

The Angel of the North: Your pictures

The Helen McArdle Care group did a charity walk past the Angel Credit: Helen McArdle Care
People gather around the feet of the Angel of the North Credit: Emma Whitfield
The Angel of the North looms over a man beside it Credit: @x_MissGLC_x
The Angel of the North in sunnier weather Credit: Helen Holmes
Anthony Gormley's Angel of the North Credit: Carolyn Farthing-Dunn

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The Angel of the North: What it means to you

Angel of North to celebrate 15th birthday

Anthony Gormley's Angel of the North Credit: Carolyn Farthing-Dunn

It is a very special week for North East landmark and treasure, the Angel of the North, which is set to celebrate its 15th birthday.

A rare prototype model by artist Anthony Gormley will go on display in Gateshead to mark the occasion.

The scale version on display has recently been restored by Tyne and Wear Museums.

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