Lost Opportunity - the Aycliffe giant head sculpture (From The Northern Echo)

Lost Opportunity - the Aycliffe giant head sculpture

1:49pm Wednesday 24th June 2009 in Staff Blogs By Andrew White, Assistant News Editor

LET me start by saying I am a fan of public art.

The best examples can be inspiring, amazing, curious and puzzling.

Some, in the case of the Angel of the North, can even come to define or represent and area and its people.

So when I heard of plans for a new sculpture at the entrance to Aycliffe Business Park, I was delighted.

I followed with interest the progress of the structure, a giant head called In Our Image, as it was being constructed.

It looked good, it was interesting and seemed sure to provoke debate.

And when I saw that it was being installed I was looking forward to seeing it in situ.

However, I have been sorely disappointed.

I'm not disappointed by the sculpture itself - I think it's well made and looks great.

But it's in the wrong place.

In fact, the first time I drove past it, I almost missed it.

It's set back from the road hidden amongst a clump of trees, which only serve to conceal it.

You can't see it until you're almost upon it and then its gone in a flash.

What's the point of that?

The point of public art is that it's meant to be visible and accessible - you're supposed to be able to see it.

This giant head should be visible long before you reach it - instead it is concealed. It's almost as if it's something to be ashamed of, not something to be celebrated.

The giant head was a great idea, but this is an opportunity lost. I hope the powers that be have a rethink and make this sculpture much more prominent.