The Messenger 23ft high sculpture Plymouth

I never thought much about sculptures being sited around the country, never wanted to see them, just wondered why a business, county council etc, would pay to have one. However, I have now viewed the Angel of the North, (absolutely gobsmacking) and Verity in Ilfracombe Harbour. Both times been completely blown away by them and now want to go and visit other large sculptures around the country. I'm just sorry that I visited the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland before the Kelpies arrived.

Lots of lovely sculptures around central Scotland ,if you're in Edinburgh check out the beautiful baby elephant in Princes St gardens ,its a memorial to the babies whose ashes were denied/kept from their parents by crematoria .Its by Andy Scott who is the Kelpies sculptor and he did the beautiful Stag at the roundabout on the road to Loch Lomond too.

Love the Angel....loathe Verity!

I expect we'll be seeing Messenger frequently as we live near Plymouth. DH says she looks as if she's pumping up her bicycle.

Love Verity!

Loathe Verity, love the Angel. Works of art, and sculptures in particular, are so subjective aren't they? Not sure about The Messenger yet, will have to pop down the coast and give her the once over.
One of the things I enjoy about being in mainland Europe and one or two other countries is the prevalence of public sculptures.

I spent a few weeks in Eire some years ago and was delighted to see that even small villages seemed to have a sculpture park on the outskirts.

I was told that artists do not have to pay income tax even if they are very successful. I wonder how you prove that you are an artist?

She'll certainly polarise opinions - now and in the future. Maybe when she is in position she'll be less confronting ?

Not sure that I am that keen. What is she supposed to be doing?

I had to Google Verity IMO it's not beautiful but it is very skilful.

I like Messenger, A.O.N. is awesome in many ways but certainly not decorative.

I like the Gormley men on the beach. Formby beach I think.

I think she's attempting to punch someone on the ground ?

The news article said she was coaching the words from the play! I think it looks menacing.

I’ve just googled the verity statue, too, and have to say that my reaction is “yuk”. I’m glad it’s not on display in my town!
I’ve seen the Angel of the North, and think it’s amazing. I wasn’t sure about it when it was shown on tv, but actually seeing it changed my mind. I’m not sure if my mind would be changed by seeing the verity one, however.

Mapleleaf, I have to say you have taken the words out of my mouth, almost. I have a friend who lives in Ilfracombe and she was very scathing about Verity when she first arrived at the harbour, but when I went to visit her I saw Verity in a completely different light. I really do think that with these big sculptures they need to be seen in situ before a decision can be made. Seeing Verity looking out from the harbour towards the sea made such a difference although I was ready to be dismissive after seeing it on Google and what my friend had said. (I think my friend may be influenced by the fact that Damien Hurst is a marmite person for those who live in Ilfracombe!!). Next stop is to see Messenger in place in Plymouth. Think I will be visiting my daughter soon who lives nearby

I normally like large sculptures but this one bugs me, whatever its doing the gait is all wrong! To recreate the stance you would really have to lock your left knee. The left knee is not locked. I cant see past that!