Angel artist's 'albatross' lament

The Angel is Antony Gormley's best-known sculpture

The artist who created the Angel of the North has said the sculpture which made his name has now become an albatross around his neck.

Antony Gormley said he will not make any more "big works" in the UK.

In an interview with British Airways' High Life magazine, Mr Gormley insisted he is still proud of the 65ft structure, which stands on the A1 at Gateshead.

But he told the magazine: "I can't do any more big works in this country. I won't be doing any more Angels."

Antony Gormley says he will do no more major works in the UK

Mr Gormley said he did not want people to think the Angel was the only thing he has ever done, and added he had a wider artistic portfolio.

This includes an unusual stone circle at the entrance to the British Library and a cast iron figure in an oak tree in Yorkshire.

"There are lots of things about the Angel I'm proud of, but it's got to be a bit of an albatross in the sense that people can't see you for it," he said.

"The fact is it is an extremely big exception to the rule in my body of work.

"I am really proud to have been involved in the making of it and wouldn't not want to take responsibility for it.

"But I am very aware that there are lots of other things I have done."

The Angel of the North helped put Gateshead on the map, with the city often being eclipsed by its Tyneside sister Newcastle.

It was erected in 1998 and at the time it was the tallest sculpture in Britain.

It has a wingspan of 175 feet and is based on Mr Gormley's own body.