Antony Gormley’s “Another Place” installation on Crosby Beach near Liverpool is celebrating its 20th anniversary this July. The 100 life-sized, cast iron figures have become a beloved and iconic feature of the Sefton coastline since they were first installed in 2005. Originally intended as a temporary exhibit, the sculptures were commissioned by then artistic director Lewis Biggs in partnership with Sefton Council.
Modeled on the artist’s own body, the figures stand at the same level, staring out to sea along a two-mile stretch between Waterloo and Blundellsands. “It was Lewis Biggs, who was then the director of Tate Liverpool, who suggested that Crosby might be a good location. So I owe a lot to Lewis because I hadn’t been to Crosby before,” said Sir Antony Gormley, reflecting on the early days of the project.
The installation process in 2005 was a strategic undertaking, ensuring each sculpture stood at the same height. The late Rod Yeoman, then director of the South Sefton Development Trust, played a crucial role in helping the artwork find a permanent home on the beach. Over the past two decades, “Another Place” has attracted millions of visitors from around the world and has become deeply intertwined with the local community.
Sefton celebrates ‘Another Place’ legacy
Sir Antony noted, “I think that sculpture makes places—and you know that when you can’t remember a place without the sculpture or the sculpture without remembering the place. That’s part of its function and certainly true of Crosby now.”
The sculptures have been dressed up by the public, often for fun or to represent cultural events and celebrations.
They have also drawn famous faces like actresses Kim Cattrall and Emilia Clarke. To mark the 20th anniversary, Sefton Council is launching a touring exhibition titled “Men for All Seasons,” showcasing 20 atmospheric landscape photographs by local photographer Ron Davies. The images celebrate the artwork across changing seasons and weather conditions.
Councillor Liz Dowd, Sefton’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement, said, “Our ‘Iron Men’ have become friends to millions of people over the years – including Sefton residents and many visitors who have made the pilgrimage to Crosby Beach to pose alongside them.”
Sir Antony expressed pride in the installation’s lasting impact, stating, “Sculpture can do something in the world. On a lovely summer’s day, the beach is full of people, and you lose the work in the crowd. The life around it and the work itself make you look harder at what’s happening.
It’s a gift from Germany as much as from me to the people of Liverpool. I could not imagine a better place for ‘Another Place’ than Crosby beach.”
The “Men for All Seasons” exhibition will tour Sefton, including Crosby, Bootle, and The Atkinson in Southport, with more details on dates and times to be released soon.
