Prioritising depot over Gormley’s bold plans ‘would be insanity’

Shock at county council’s stance

- JAMES ROBINSON Local Democracy Reporter

THE man behind one of the North East's most iconic structures has submitted proposals to take over a former Northumberland fire station in order to preserve his artwork for future generations.

Antony Gormley, who designed the Angel of the North, has submitted a business case that would see the old fire station in Hexham used to store work by the internationally acclaimed sculptor.

However, Northumberland County Council has submitted plans to have the former fire station demolished and an existing site compound next door extended to provide space for a new fleet of vehicles needed to carry out new recycling duties.

The council has said it will work with Sir Atony’s charity, The Foundation Foundation, to ensure a presence in the town, but suggested that other sites may be more suitable.

Sir Antony, 74, has had a studio on Haugh Lane in Hexham for the past 20 years as well as the nearby foundry previously known as the Davidson-Tyne Foundry. The building would be utilised by The Foundation Foundation, with hopes that the acquisition would see “a new era of public-facing activity begin”.

In an artist statement by Sir Antony himself, he wrote: “We would like to connect this with a permanent work gifted to the town of Hexham that will stand in the river on the west side of the Hexham Bridge across the Tyne visible from both the bank and the bridge.

“The Foundation Foundation would make its core collection available to the greater public and as well as access to its archive and make it clear to the public the increasingly important role that Hexham plays in the evolution and exhibition of my work internationally.