The three 'haunting' statues that can only be seen for a few hours a day
Three rather eerie Antony Gormely statues can be seen in Kent - one in Margate and two in Folkestone.
Antony Gormley, the renowned artist behind the iconic Angel of the North statue, has also created a series of other intriguing artworks.
A particularly eerie statue was installed on Margate's Fulsam Rock Beach in 2017, forming part of Gormley's 'Another Time' series. This global project saw 100 statues positioned around the world, with three currently on display in Kent.
Visitors keen to catch a glimpse of the cast-iron figure should be mindful of tidal times, as the solitary statue only becomes visible during low tide and is entirely submerged at high tide.
The 'Another Time' figure in Margate is located near the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery and was installed in partnership with them.
Two additional statues from the series can be found in nearby Folkestone, having been placed there as part of The Creative Folkestone Triennial in 2017.
One statue can be spotted within the arches of the Coronation Parade at Sunny Sands Beach, while the other is situated at the loading bay of Folkestone Harbour Arm.
Similar to the Fulsam Rock statue, the visibility of these figures is subject to tidal changes.
Crafted from a cast of Gormley's own body, the statues were designed to "bear witness to what it is like to be alive and alone in space and time" and to "celebrate the still and silent nature of sculpture. The work is designed to be placed within the flow of lived time."
The statues, while unique, have been described as "haunting" and "mysterious" by some visitors. Anton Smith wrote on TripAdvisor about the statue in Margate: "Really good Antony Gormley statue on the beach behind the Turner Gallery. The usual Gormley figure but completely alone (unlike the army on Crosby Beach near Liverpool) stoically getting drowned and uncovered twice a day, covered in goodness knows what at the end of the seaweed-covered breakwater.
"Surprisingly haunting and emotive. Definitely worth searching out if you are “doing arty” or just love Gormley’s work while in Margate, but check tide times to avoid disappointment."
James Stephen Medes described one of the statues in Folkestone: "Another wondrous and mysterious experience from the hand of Antony Gormley. Walk along the harbour arm, the statue is down some steps at sea level - depending on the tide!"
Kent is home to a number of underwater and coastal statues. One such example is Alluvia by Jason de Caires Taylor, located in Canterbury.
These sculptures, made from cast cement and glass resin, depict two women and are affixed to the bed of the River Stour. Their visibility varies depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
Another notable coastal statue is the Folkestone Mermaid, situated in Folkstone. Despite its name, it does not depict a mermaid but rather a woman perched on the beach's rocks, gazing out at the sea.
