Antony Gormley: Field for the British Isles

09 July - 06 November 2005

The British sculptor, Antony Gormley, is renowned for his distinctive representations of the human form. Field for the British Isles is one of his most famous works of art.

This mesmerising installation comprises a sea of 40,000 miniature terracotta figures and has been described by the artist as ‘twenty-five tons of clay energised by fire, sensitised by touch and made conscious by being given eyes ... a field of gazes which looks at the observer making him or her its subject.’ The figures were handmade in 1993 by a hundred people, aged seven to seventy, from a community in St Helen’s, Merseyside.

Since the Arts Council Collection acquired Field in 1995, the work has been seen in venues as diverse as a disused railway shed, a church, cathedral cloisters, art galleries and an empty department store. Field is presented in a new light at Longside Gallery. Framed by the Yorkshire landscape, the work is seen within a rural context for the first time, enabling the relationship between Field and nature to come into view.

The Arts Council Collection also presents Bearing Light (1990), a series of twelve woodblock prints by Antony Gormley, at Longside Gallery. In addition, Gormley’s steel sculpture One and Other (2000) is on display at Yorkshire Sculpture Park and can be seen on the walking route up to Longside Gallery.

A fully illustrated guide, featuring an essay by the writer and critic, Adrian Searle, accompanies the exhibition. This title is for sale at the special exhibition price of £1 at Longside Gallery. A selection of postcards is also available.

Please note that a queuing system may be in operation at peak times. Please wear appropriate clothing. To find out about queuing on the day of your visit, please ask at the Information Desk at the YSP Centre.

As space within the gallery is limited, all group visits must be booked in advance. Please call 01924 830642 to arrange your booking.

Image: Antony Gormley Field for the British Isles 1993 (detail), Arts council Collection, Hayward Gallery London; purchased with the assistance of the Henry Moore Foundation and the NACF, 1995, © the artist 2005.