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The "Spirit of Man" is a gas-fired beacon figure. It is 320 feet high, (base included). To give you some idea of the scale. Angel of the North at 65ft high. Colossus of Rhodes 120ft. Statue of Liberty 151ft. Big Ben Clock Tower 320ft.
This impressive free standing structure is part sculpture, part building. Ideally it would be sited next to the Thames, facing the rising sun. This beacon figure is a universal symbol of hope. Its aesthetic appeal and symbolic content captures the spirit of this millennium and will prove to be a mighty icon for London and the UK.
The frame is composed of steel girders, supporting a skin of open weave copper tubing, (symbolic of wickerwork). Natural gas would be pumped through some of the copper tubing on the outer structure and ignited. The flames would be automatically controlled for effect and safety. The emanating flames signify the 'incandescent spirit of man' (‘1984’ George Orwell).
At certain agreed national festivals, gatherings and commemorations, the Spirit of Man will be 'fired up' and be a spectacular sight for miles around! During more everyday use, conventional up-lighting and directional spotlights etc would be used to highlight the structure.
The face of the figure will be gold, with bronze hands and the feet made of limestone or granite blocks. The steel frame will be painted a golden yellow. Because of the angles involved, the lifts will be rack & pinion operated. Its internal structure contains several floors, with viewing lobbies, a lounge, photo/art gallery, museum, gift shop and cafes
Inspiration for the Spirit of Man came from a variety of sources, prehistoric, classical and modern. Colossal sculptures of the past and present were a particular influence. Initial inspiration being the legend of the "Wicker Man" and Tales of the Ancient Britons. Also Sun Gods such as Ra, Aten, Helios, Apollo.
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