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Ensure North East Is Well Represented In Icons of England

With Gateshead’s Angel of the North now one of 12 official ‘Icons of England’, Gateshead Council is inviting people to nominate more cultural icons in the North East to ensure the area is well represented in the Government’s new culture project.

The Antony Gormley sculpture was officially unveiled as an English icon on 9 January at the launch of the government-sponsored Culture Online Project.

The ‘ICONS – A Portrait of England’ project aims to paint a virtual portrait of England through an exploration of the country’s most popular icons which represent England and the English. The first wave listed for iconic status included a diverse range of items from Stonehenge through to the humble cup of tea.

In the North East, Gateshead Council is taking the lead to invite people to nominate their favourite icons. They can also vote on other people’s nominations and share anecdotes, photographs and memories online.

Councillor John McElroy, cabinet member for culture at Gateshead Council, said: “The Angel of the North is a symbol of so much that we can be proud of in Gateshead and the North East. “As a people we are strong, creative, open and affectionate - the Angel says it all for the public. A unique structure in a unique place. We are delighted our love for the Angel of the North is shared by the nation as a whole.” You can nominate your North East icons of England at www.ICONS.org.uk. Those successful may be added to the list.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .