Another Place (1997) by Sir Anthony Gormley was first exhibited in Germany before being permanently situated at Crosby beach in 2005. The idea behind the instillation was to test ‘tide and time, stillness and movement.’ Seeing the 100 iron casts (of Gormely’s body), stretched two miles along the beach, all looking towards the horizon is deeply emotive. Seeing the instillation during a high tide, the men’s bodies are submerged, leaving only their heads showing. Somehow it makes me think of resignation, like the men are giving up. At low tide the men are just watchers, deep in contemplation. Everyone will have their own interpretation.
Over the years the tide and weather have left their mark on the iron men. Barnacles cling to some while others turn red with oxide, highlighting that environment and time effects everything.
David and I have visited Another Place several times over the years, in all types of weather. This weekend we decided to take Riley along with us. The journey took 20 minutes from Liverpool and we found ample car parking at Crosby Coastal Park where there is a lake and adventure centre. There are now car parking charges. We paid £1 for two hours.
As it was Riley’s first visit to Crosby beach, we introduced him to the iron men. He sniffed around their feet and even offered his favourite toy for them to play fetch with him. It was cute watching him interact with them. I’ll finish the post with a collage of pictures of our day at the beach.
Have you visited Another Place? What were your impressions of the art exhibit?
Thanks for stopping by,
Christine x
It is years since I was in Crosby, my Nana lived there. I haven’t seen the iron men and I would like too. I love that your dog wanted them to play ball with him.
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He was so cute 😀 x
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Wonderful! I love this post and I do want to visit again soon. Riley is so funny and cute, wanting to play with the iron men. Hugo just peed on them. Most uncouth! X
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Aww thanks so much for your lovely comment Sharon xx
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I watched a documentary about these – what a wonderful exhibit The thing for me that makes great art is that it gets a response and gets people talking about it!
Lovely pics of you and Riley – you look very content!
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I haven’t seen these, but there are some similar Gormley figures in Edinburgh which I like.
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I like Anthony Gormley’s work 😊
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I’ve heard of these but never seen them, loved the photos 😊
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