Last Saturday, Hubs and I decided to visit Crosby beach. Twenty years ago we haunted the dunes there so we were curious to see if anything had changed. It had!!!! Now one hundred cast iron, life sized figures stand on the beach, stretching almost one kilometre out to sea. Someone has given this figure a pair of boots! Others had hats and necklaces!
Each figure weighs 650 kilos and are made from casts of the artist, Antony Gormley’s body. They all stare out to sea and are all at different stages of rising from the sand. The work is seen as a poetic response to the individual sentiments associated with emigration….sadness at leaving but hopeful of a new future in another place, hence the title, Another Place.
It had been raining when we set out, but unexpectedly, the sun came out. I was hoping that the tide would come in before these jelliyfish got baked alive. There were HUNDREDS of them littering the beach.
The birds were glad to see a little sun for a change and got on with the business of preening.
As we were walking we came across a cycle track that we hadn’t seen before. This was a great discovery as it goes all the way to Formby where we live, so that’s our next trip sorted. And…it’s only ten miles each way.
Many years ago, tons of bricks from houses bombed during WW2 where dumped on Crosby beach. Over time the tide has smoothed the rough edges off the bricks. I actually think they look really pretty now, and it’s so poignant to see new life appearing from the war torn rubble. Nature always finds a way!
This pic shows the River Alt flowing into the sea. It was lovely to see so many wildflowers growing in the dunes. These shasta daisies were everywhere. Gorgeous.
After a few hours of walking we stopped at a bench for lunch. There is nothing quite like like the sea air to give you an appetite, and I don’t go anywhere without a picnic! Ever!
This little bench is called “The Pebble”.
As the tide began to come in we turned back to watch the iron men, one by one, slowly disappear beneath the waves.
It’s a very eerie sight, and there is something extremely haunting and sad about it. It looks even stranger as the sun sets and when it’s foggy, especially when the beach is deserted.
Apparently, it took three weeks to install all the iron men, but now Sefton has bought them so they are a permanent fixture.
Previously the work was displayed in Germany, Norway and Belgium, but I’m glad we get to keep them, they truly are an awe inspiring sight!
This is fascinating to me – those iron men, so curious standing there.
I really enjoyed this post – thank you 🙂
Thanks Noeleen….they are really strange looking aren’t they/ Especially in wild weather!xxxx
Pingback:Gardens & Wildlife » Summer sizzlers
LOL…yea 🙂 xxxx
How very interesting, thanks Vahid, I’ll go and have a little peep….nothing like being paid for talking about your favourite subject eh? xxxxxxx
Hi D. Long time no see! I came across a website on which one can make money by writing about Pets:
http://www.online-writing-jobs.com/jobbank/detail/link-236639.html
I was wondering if it could be easy for you to be published and make money by writing about your interesting expertise. Take care. 🙂 xxxx
lol….:)) xxxx Nice to meet you too. 🙂 xxx
yes, I’ve got an M.A in Applied linguistics. It’s always been a priority in my life to get the highest degree in my major. I hope to get it one day. 🙂 xxxxxxxxxxx
It’s nice to know a genius!!!!lol xxxxxxxxx
They all sound good choices….Applied linguistics eh? Wow….impressive stuff!!! xxxxxxx
lol….great you have sunshine. Hope another stronger one pops up soon…:))..I’d love to study for Ph.D in Applied linguistics in Western Europe. England is very expensive I think. Maybe, Denmark, Sweden, or Germany. I should consider all things beforehand. Australia is also a good option. Hope you see lots of long lasting sunshine. 🙂 xxxxxx
Lol…thanks Vahid…I think they could do with wetsuits along with the underpants!!!!
It is very nostalgic emigrating, I lived in Australia for a few years and found that I missed home, only family and friends though, not the place….and now it’s so much easier to keep in touch. Good luck if you do leave, I hope it works out for you….where would you like to live?
p.s….guess what???? We have sunshine today, first time in weeks….your charm worked! Do another one to help me find my glasses!lol xxxxxxx
Love the pictures and so glad you’ve had an enjoyable trip. I would give the iron men underpants, though ;)…LOL… Emigration causes that feeling and nostalgia; however, sometimes leaving is the only way. I’m gonna leave here for good, I know I should. Have a great time and hope you see lots of sunshine as you the British people love it. 😉 xxx
I really must make the time to visit Crosby and see these. I imagine they are quite something.
I think it would be well worth the trip, they really are special.xxx
That was really interesting
Thanks Free….I’m glad you enjoyed it.xxxxx
Thanks Menhir….I think that pic looks a little apocalyptic….it is strange watching them disappear under the waves, I often wonder what would happen if a small boat got caught on one of them xxxxx
The men have received a lot of media interest. Your picture of the man with the sea foam breaking over him, looking out to the windmills at sea is a very special composition. Is that the future? He will never say.
Wow! Fabulous Post….A Place well worth visiting….Thanks D! Hugs! :)x
Thanks Bushka, I must go again soon, it’s only a fifteen minute drive away.xxxxx
I always think that too as they are life sized and very realistic…..xxxxx
I love that you take a picnic everywhere – I’m the same! you never know when you might get peckish! Lovely pictures! xxxxx
Oh yes….you have to have a picnic….essential! lol xxx
Yes, they are brilliant. The cycle track is fab….can’t wait to give it a whir!xxxxxl
I really want to see these sculptures myself one fine day. Beautiful pictures…. lovely… I can just imagine the sound and smell of the sea and everything. Gorgeous. and the cycle path sounds wonderful. I am GREEN with envy! :))
You would LOVE them…they are very atmospheric with the gulls wailing and waves crashing make it all the more dramatic….if you’re ever up this way I’ll take ya to see them! And we could both roar at the sea!xxxxx
Sounds like a smashing day. Thank you for the conducted tour ~x~
It was a lovely day….if you haven’t seen them I’ll take you next time you’re over here!xxxxx