Major new installation at De La Warr Pavilion

Famous British sculptor Antony Gormley is bringing one of his best known works to Bexhill next month.

The creator of the Angel Of The North is installing Critical Mass on the roof of the De La Warr Pavilion '“ an amazing 60 life-size cast iron body shapes in varying positions.

Critical Mass is made up of five casts from 12 moulds of Gormley's own body, from low crouching position through to standing upright.

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The bodies will be put in place during the week beginning May 4 using cranes and mechanical machinery.

The solidity and weight of each piece is an important feature of the work but have also caused concern around the safety of the installation.

Structural engineers F J Samuely and Partners were brought in to advise on the positioning of Critical Mass to ensure the weight of the sculptures does not threaten the structure or materials of the roof space itself.

Gormley made his first visit to the Pavilion in January this year and, whilst being shown around the building, was inspired by the flat and extensive roof as a space to show his work.

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It will open on May 8 and will be the first time the work has been exhibited as a whole in the UK since 2001. Visitors will be charged 3 each for viewing.

DLWP director Alan Hayden commented: "Critical Mass on the roof of the Pavilion has the potential to drive unprecedented numbers of visitors to Bexhill '“ the Pavilion is estimating at least 20,000 people in addition to its usual busy summer.

"It has been recognized as a major cultural tourist attraction for the region and has the support of Tourism South East."

Apart from his iconic Angel in Gateshead, Gormley has created Another Place on Crosby Beach, Event Horizon on London rooftops, and was responsible for handing over the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square to members of the public for an hour at a time to become art themselves in One & Other.