'Angel' inspires art exhibition

The Angel has inspired a new exhibition

A new exhibition featuring North East artists inspired by the Angel of the North opens in Gateshead on Saturday.

The iconic sculpture, created by Antony Gormley, overlooks the A1 motorway in Gateshead and has become one of the UK's best-known pieces of public art.

To mark it's 10th birthday, a new exhibition featuring the work of 28 artists called My Angel has opened.

It features paintings, sculptures and textiles and runs at the Gallery at the Gateshead Central Library until 5 July.

Director of culture and communities at Gateshead Council, David Bunce, said, "The North East is rich in artistic talent and we are keen to capture it in one exhibition.

"Together these artists look at everything, from the qualities of an angel, to what the Angel of the North gets up to when no-one is watching. It is a fitting tribute to our borough's popular sculpture."

The 20-metre high Angel of the North, which cost £800,000, was commissioned by Gateshead Council to create a millennial image and landmark of the region's character.