A group of sunbathing figures on the roof of an iconic building are set to cause quite a stir this summer.

The 60 life-size cast iron statues are the work of acclaimed artist Antony Gormley.

They form the Critical Mass exhibition that will open at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill on Saturday.

The figures are taken from 12 different moulds of the artist’s body in various positions, from squatting to sitting to standing and have been lifted on to the roof of the De La Warr by cranes.

Originally created in 1995, it is the first time the exhibition has been in shown in full in the UK since 2001 and the first time the pavilion’s roof space has been used for an exhibition.

London-born Mr Gormley has become one of the most prominent artists in the country over the past 25 years with many of his works becoming key landmarks.

Among his works are the 20m high Angel of the North outside Gateshead and the 100 cast iron figures placed across Crosby Beach in Merseyside.

The Grade I Listed De La Warr Pavilion was designed by Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff.

Mr Gormley, who won the Turner Prize in 1994 and was awarded an OBE in 1997, said: “It is great to have a chance to test this piece against the clarity of Mendelsohn and Chermayeff’s English masterpiece.

“I am excited to see these dark forms in the elements against the sea and in direct light.”

The exhibition opens on Saturday and runs until August.

Admission is £3 and the exhibition opens everyday between 10am to 6pm with late night opening on Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 8pm.

To book tickets call 01424 229101.