'Disappearing' soldier sculpture marks VE Day

A "disappearing" soldier sculpture has been installed at a castle to mark VE Day.

The life-size figure at Bamburgh Castle, in Northumberland, is a tribute to those who served in World War One and Two and in conflicts since.

The sculpture, named George, is made from spaced vertical steel plates and from certain angles, the plates align to form a solid figure, but from others the gaps cause it to partially disappear.

Creator Christopher Bryceland, from Alnwick, said "VE Day can sometimes be overlooked" and the installation is about "raising awareness" about the significance of the day.

It marks the end of World War Two in Europe on 8 May 1945 and took place on Friday.

Bryceland, a 39-year-old Royal Engineers veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, developed the sculpture as an alternative form of remembrance.

He said: "George is named after my grandfather [who served in the armed forces], but he stands for everyone who has served. He's designed to catch your eye and make you look twice.

"From a distance you see a soldier, but as you move past, he disappears.

"That effect represents those who have been lost, while his reappearance reflects how the fallen stay in our memory."

The sculpture was made from the same weathering steel used in the Angel of the North and was designed to change over time.

Unlike traditional memorials, the sculpture is designed to move between locations, continuing its role as a travelling tribute.

Bryceland said he wanted to thank everyone involved for making the installation happen.

Francis Watson-Armstrong, owner of Bamburgh Castle, said: "It's an honour to have Christopher's sculpture standing sentinel here at Bamburgh Castle to mark VE Day.

"George is a striking focal point and a fitting reminder of the courage, sacrifice and resilience shown by servicemen and women."

The sculpture, which is on display at the castle can be viewed daily.

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