Video & Multimedia

Demeter

(85,373 posts) Sun Sep 2, 2012, 12:51 PM Sep 2012

In pictures: Northumberlandia - the reclining lady

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-19415219

Modern Art in the Landscape Must See!

6 replies

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In pictures: Northumberlandia - the reclining lady (Original Post) Demeter Sep 2012 OP

Let's hope after a thousand years there will be people to see this art. alfredo Sep 2012 #1

fabulous. -- i'm a pretty big fan of earth art -- and this is pretty damn good. nt xchrom Sep 2012 #2

I liked this one of the group best (dial-up warning): freshwest Sep 2012 #3

Must be the leading lady for the Cerne Giant Balertwine Sep 2012 #4

welcome to DU Kali Sep 2012 #5

Ah, the "rude man" Warren DeMontague Sep 2012 #6

alfredo

(60,075 posts)

1. Let's hope after a thousand years there will be people to see this art.

Reply to Demeter (Original post)

Sun Sep 2, 2012, 12:59 PM

Sep 2012

xchrom

(108,903 posts)

2. fabulous. -- i'm a pretty big fan of earth art -- and this is pretty damn good. nt

Reply to Demeter (Original post)

Sun Sep 2, 2012, 01:00 PM

Sep 2012

freshwest

(53,661 posts)

3. I liked this one of the group best (dial-up warning):

Reply to Demeter (Original post)

Sun Sep 2, 2012, 03:54 PM

Sep 2012

Built from the by-product of the opencast mine, Northumberlandia is created with layers of rock, clay and soil, topped with special grass seed that will withstand the rigours of being walked on. The grass will be maintained, but creator The Banks Group said it hoped the grass would add to the art as it grows, giving movement to the static structure.

Also this one, what a lovely area this is set in:

The entrance to Northumberlandia begins in woodland, opening up to reveal the figure raising up from the ground in front. The idea was to add a fairytale feel to the experience. It is hoped the site will become a family favourite, with picnic tables built into parts of the artwork.

This is what it's modeled on:

The plans for the mine and sculpture were originally turned down by Northumberland County Council in 2006, but after planning applications were resubmitted and approved, work began in 2010.

And this is how they started, a nice overhead view:

Designed by celebrated artist Charles Jencks and created by a team of people including some workers from the nearby Shotton Surface Mine, it is hoped the artwork will bring tourists to the area.

Thanks for bringing this here.

Balertwine

(1 post)

4. Must be the leading lady for the Cerne Giant

Reply to Demeter (Original post)

Mon Sep 3, 2012, 01:23 AM

Sep 2012

I don't know how many outside of the U.K. know about the Cerne Giant -- I never did until I saw him myself -- so if you haven't, plug CERNE GIANT into Google Images and you'll get a big laugh, I guarantee you! The fellow's probably the inspiration for the Reclining Lady. His exact origin is unknown; written record of his existence goes back to the 1600's. Some theorize he's a graphic depiction of Hercules carved into the hillside by the Romans, while others think he may go back to Celtic times.