Crouching man shows his metal
Bryan Copland • Published 20 May 2010 08:35
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IT HAS taken a mammoth six months to put together, but the construction of a giant 'crouching man', which is set to go on permanent public display in a Dutch town, has finally been completed.
Eight employees of Had Fab Ltd have constructed the 25-metre high, 60-tonne steel structure called 'Exposure' at Macmerry Industrial Estate.
It will now be dismantled and transported on a series of flatbed lorries and containers to Lelystad, in the Netherlands, at the beginning of June.
Had Fab will reassemble it once it reaches its final home. The reconstruction of the sculpture, to be carried out by a five-strong team, will take about eight week.
The immense creation is the brainchild of world-renowned sculptor Antony Gormley - famous for designing Gateshead's 'Angel of the North'.
Mr Gormley chose the county company to manufacture his crouching man because of its expert work with electricity pylons - similar in structure to the 'Exposure' project.
The artwork has dominated the Macmerry skyline in recent months and can be clearly seen by passing eastbound A1 motorists.
And members of the public now have the chance to see 'Exposure' at close quarters at an open day next Saturday (May 29), from 9am until 3pm.
Simon Harrison, Had Fab managing director, said they were "proud" of the final product.
"It's taken a long time and it's been a challenge," he said. "I think originally none of us here was very keen on art, or had much knowledge of art, but I think we can appreciate it for what it is.
"I think it'll be an iconic figure. Whether it'll be as big in fame terms as the Angel of the North I'm not sure, but I think it has potential.
"We'd certainly consider doing something like this again."
Representatives from Lelystad are due in Macmerry on June 1 to view the sculpture, along with Mr Gormley.
Macmerry Primary School pupils recently visited the incredible structure.
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