Antony Gormley’s “Another Place” installation on Crosby Beach near Liverpool is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The artwork features 100 life-sized cast iron figures modeled on the artist’s own body, spread out along a two-mile stretch of coastline. The sculptures were originally installed in July 2005 and were intended to be a temporary exhibition.
However, due to their popularity and the way they have become an integral part of the local community, they have remained in place permanently. Over the past two decades, the iron men have become a beloved landmark and cultural icon for the area. They have drawn millions of visitors from around the world who come to see them standing stoically, staring out to sea in all weather conditions.
Milestone for Gormley’s iron men
To mark the 20th anniversary, Sefton Council is launching a special touring exhibition called “Men for All Seasons.” The display will showcase 20 atmospheric landscape photographs of the sculptures taken by local photographer Ron Davies over the years. Councillor Liz Dowd, Sefton’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Our ‘Iron Men’ have become friends to millions of people over the years – including Sefton residents and many, many visitors who have made the pilgrimage to Crosby beach to pose alongside them.”
The sculptures have become a canvas for public expression, with people often dressing them up for various occasions and celebrations.
They have also been featured in popular culture and have drawn some famous visitors like actresses Kim Cattrall and Emilia Clarke. Antony Gormley himself reflected on the installation’s impact, saying: “What I couldn’t imagine was that Another Place would prove to be a resonator for the thoughts, feelings and hopes of so many people from Merseyside, the UK and the World. It is wonderful that it has found a place in the memory and imaginations of so many.”
The “Men for All Seasons” exhibition will tour various locations in Sefton, including Crosby, Bootle, and The Atkinson in Southport.
It aims to tell the story of “Another Place” over the past 20 years and celebrate its enduring presence on the Sefton coast.
