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Wow, you don't like Angel of South designs

17:59, 08 May 2008

updated: 09:46, 12 May 2022

Artist Mark Wallinger with a model of his sculpture
Artist Mark Wallinger with a model of his sculpture

The five proposals for the new Ebbsfleet landmark have so far sparked a lukewarm response from our readers, although the county council is backing a prancing white horse as a "wow factor" design.

Our poll shows no clear favourite at this stage for the 'Angel of the South' with most people telling us they don't particularly like any of the artists’ designs.

KCC Leader Paul Carter joined the debate saying: “The prancing white horse is a powerful symbol which is recognized worldwide and rooted in the county’s history," he said. "Wherever I go, people know that it represents all that Kent stands for. I can’t think of a better symbol to go up at Ebbsfleet – it’s got the wow factor.”

The artists are competing for the chance to produce the £2million landmark, which will be larger than the famous Angel of the North near Gateshead.

The artists involved are Daniel Buren, Richard Deacon, Christopher Le Brun, Mark Wallinger and Rachel Whiteread.

Kentonline readers are less than impressed with the proposals, which are due to go on public display in Bluewater shopping centre at the end of May.

Adam Bird from Gravesend said: “None of the designs are fitting with the local community, not on any level; culturally, aesthetically, historically, artfully - the list is endless.”

Jon Leader criticised the artists saying: “By all accounts they have the ability and we must encourage them to meet a higher standard. They can do much better than this and should. If not, what a colossal eyesore and waste of funds."

Full details of the designs can be viewed on www.ebbsfleetlandmark.com

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