Vaping firm VPZ has had to take out adverts in national newspapers apologising to Angel of the North designer Sir Antony Gormley after projecting a 170ft vaporiser onto the statue’s wings.
VPZ beamed an image of one of its vaporizers onto the steel statue’s wings on January 11th as it announced plans to create new jobs in the area. However, the firm had not sought or gained permission from Gateshead Council for the stunt.
A clause was added to the original agreement with the Council at Gormley’s insistence when work on the Angel began in 1994, refusing permission to light the Angel. The clause was agreed to protect the integrity of the sculpture and ensure it was enjoyed by the public.
In the advert in Saturday’s Times newspaper, which you can see below, VPZ said it “apologises to Sir Antony and anyone else that may have been offended or upset by the projection.”The company also said donations had been made to two charities of Gormley’s choice.
