IT SEEMED like every notable landmark across the globe had gone green for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations – but not Gateshead’s Angel of the North.
Tourism Ireland had sought to bring colourful cultural recognition across the world this year, from the Empire State Building in New York to Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.
But not the 20m winged angel in northern England.
The icon was briefly illuminated in green light as part of a dress rehearsal in advance of the day – before objections from is creator, Antony Gormley, led to the plan being cancelled.
“It is a very bad idea to turn it green. It’s simply against nature,” said Gormley (60).
“I never wanted it lit, and especially not green, as much as I love St Patrick’s Day.”
Gateshead council, which owns the icon, explained that a restrictive covenant in the contract with the artist prevented it from being altered.
In a statement, the council’s strategic director of legal and corporate services Mike Barker said the council was “happy to celebrate St Patricks Day” and had arranged for the Gateshead Millennium Bridge to be lit in green for the occasion.
But he said “although Gateshead Council owns the Angel of the North, we agreed with the artist Antony Gormley to protect the integrity of the sculpture and ensure that it is enjoyed by the public at all times. Changing the appearance of the sculpture for commercial reasons is not something for which we give permission.”
The council would not be available to discuss whether green light was a commercial or cultural phenomenon, according to Mr Barker.
Tourism Ireland said the green lighting mounted at global landmarks was designed “to bring a smile to the face of the world”.
