Northumberlandia (Lady of the North) is a giant sculpture depicting the figure of a young woman lying naked, with soft beauty and graceful curves. It is also one of the largest human sculptures in the world.
The work of art is located in Cramlington, Northumberland, in the northeast of England. It was created by talented American designer Charles Jencks. It is known that the work was created from by-products of an open-pit mine in Shotton.
While digging for coal, the mine owners realized that they should find a way to recycle the excess rock and soil instead of dumping it. So they contacted designer Charles to see if they could create “something.” And thus “Northern Beauty” was born.
“Northern Beauty” seen from above. Photo: Travel
The American designer spent two years designing and creating the sculpture. He had to mobilize 1.5 million tons of clay, stone and waste soil from the mine. The core is made of stone, covered with a layer of clay and topped with fine grass.
The 34-meter-high, 400-meter-long structure is located on a 30-square-meter hill in a 19-hectare park. The total investment cost is up to 5 million USD.
During the construction process, the project faced many objections. One of the main reasons was the “topless” design. However, Charles had to give many arguments and persuasions to complete the work. He said that this was a way to honor the beauty of women.
The hill is covered with lush green vegetation. Photo: Odd
Only from a high angle can one fully appreciate the work. “Lady of the North” depicts a young woman with long hair, large breasts, and arms stretched out naturally in a deep sleep. Surrounding the hill covered with lush green vegetation are winding paths, through which visitors can more easily visualize the soft curves of the “young woman’s” body.
If visitors do not have the opportunity to view the work from above, they can still imagine the “young lady’s” elegant face and prominent chest.
Officially opened to the public since September 2012, the project was inaugurated by Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth II. Since its launch, this place has received a large number of visitors.
