THE cast-iron figures of Crosby beach have enchanted and enthralled thousands of visitors who have flocked to watch their changing role with the dramatic Merseyside coastline.

Now the 100-strong army of Antony Gormley's Another Place is featured in a stunning new calendar produced by a Crosby photographer to mark Liverpool’s Capital of Culture Year.

Ron Davies has been photographing the eerie iron sculptures since their installation in July, 2005, but this is his first calendar dedicated solely to them.

A professional photographer of 30 years, Mr Davies was at the forefront of the Daily Post-backed campaign to keep the statues in Merseyside earlier this year when Sefton planning committee had to decide whether the world-famous statues should be allowed to stay on the beach for good.

And as Liverpool moves into 2008, he believes they should be recognised as one of the biggest cultural attractions on offer in the region, and hopes his calendar will show just what can be achieved with successful art installations.

He said: “The calendar, Crosby's Man For All Seasons, is a portrayal of the figures captured throughout the year against the ever-changing weather conditions.

“I have tried to capture the spirit and very essence of the sculpture by using the figures as foreground objects against the dramatic weather conditions and skies that are experienced along this part of the coast.

“Some of the images portray a lonely figure standing firm against the elements, while others capture the haunting beauty and silence of twilight on the beach, the iron sculptures being a perfect portrayal of art and nature in harmony.

“The limited-edition prints and cards that I have produced of the statues have proved to be very popular and many have been sent to all corners of the world.

“There have been frequent requests for a calendar of my photographs of the statues so I decided to take the plunge into the world of publishing and produce this offering to mark Liverpool's Capital of Culture Year 2008.

“Already, people have asked for calendars so they can send them to people in Canada and Australia – such is their worldwide appeal.”

He added: “There has been a tremendous increase in the number of visitors to Crosby beach since the Iron Men appeared and they have really been moved by the figures. This just shows how inspiring a well thought out piece of art can be.

“People are amazed at the scale of the piece and everybody has their own interpretation of what they mean and takes something unique from it.

“They have become synonymous with the area and, as we move into Capital of Culture year, should be hailed as a shining example of a great piece of the region’s art.

“So many people have been inspired and enthralled by them and I hope many more people will share in their beauty.”

THE calendar is stocked by Liverpool shops, including Editions and Liverpool Pictures in the Albert Dock. It is also available from Crosby Fine Art and Pritchard's Book Shop, in Crosby, as well as by mail order.

carolineinnes