Anthony Gormley supports B of the Bang
Date uploaded: January 25, 2009
Anthony Gormley has written to Manchester council to urge that they don't scrap controversial sculpture B of the Bang.
The future of the 184ft public artwork, unveiled near the City of Manchester stadium in 2005, is in doubt after being plagued by safety problems, and a £1.7M out of court settlement with the designers and contractors involved in the design and build of the sculpture.
Although the sculpture remains fenced off, Mr Gormley has urged the council to "hold its nerve" with the landmark. Writing to chief executive of Manchester council Sir Howard Bernstein, he described the 150-tonne landmark as "remarkable, dynamic and engaging". "It is a great tribute to Manchester that this ground-breaking work was commissioned, to allow it to disappear would be a loss not just of an inspirational artwork but also of the council's nerve."
Read more about Anthony Gormley's involvement on the BBC website.