This month marks 20 years since Antony Gormley’s Another Place was installed on Crosby Beach, an artwork that has become one of the UK’s most recognisable coastal landmarks.
Originally intended as a temporary exhibition, the 100 cast-iron figures, modelled on the artist himself, have become a permanent and much-loved fixture on the Sefton coastline, attracting thousands of visitors and becoming synonymous with the local landscape.
We are proud to have played a meaningful role in the early stages of this now-famous installation.
As part of the project’s original planning process, our ecologists were commissioned to carry out ecological surveys and provide expert advice on the siting of the sculptures. Our aim was to help minimise disturbance to local wildlife while preserving the creative vision for the artwork.
This involved identifying and avoiding sensitive habitats on the beach and intertidal zones, advising on installation timings and methods to limit ecological impact, and providing ecological assessments to support the planning application.
The result was a thoughtful approach to sculpture placement, balancing environmental considerations with artistic ambition.
As the statues reach their 20-year anniversary, it’s a reminder of how forward-thinking collaboration between artists, local authorities, planners and environmental professionals can leave a lasting legacy.
From its initial installation in 2005 to ongoing maintenance works in 2021, Another Place continues to evolve and continues to inspire visitors and locals alike.
It’s a project we feel fortunate to be part of, and one that has become a powerful part of Merseyside’s cultural identity.
