Amazing art for OUTSIDE

Explore the inspiring works of art on Our hills, beaches and city streets

- ANDREW SHAW

There's something alluring about a sculpture in an outdoor setting. As the light and weather changes, so do the works of art and our reactions to them. In the past few decades, many incredible new examples have sprung up around Britain, reinvigorating public sculpture - something that had seemed to belong more to our historic past with art that moves, challenges us or makes us smile. Here are a few examples from the past 30 years.

Angel of the North

Gateshead

One of Britain's most famous artworks might never have seen the light of day if protestors had succeeded. Before the Angel of the North was installed on the site of a former colliery in 1998, it was claimed the sculpture would cause accidents by distracting drivers on the nearby A1. Thankfully, these fears were unfounded. An estimated 33 million. people now see the 66ft steel angel by artist Antony Gormley, with its wingspan of 177ft, every year.

Let the Dance Begin

Strabane, Co Tyrone Standing on the site of an old checkpoint between Northern Ireland and the Republic, Let the Dance Begin is a symbol of hope. Originally commissioned to mark the start of the new millennium, the five semi-abstract figures by sculptor Maurice Harron represent cross-border partnership and shared beginnings.