Absolutely beautiful, says Tunick.

A tired Spencer Tunick said he was pleased with yesterday's photoshoot on Tyneside, the latest in a series of similar projects he has undertaken around the world since 1992.

"I think it was absolutely beautiful, especially the first set-up where I formed this sliver of bodies alongside the Tyne," he said.

"I hadn't done it like that before and it wouldn't have worked with a bigger group. I was able to make a thinner shape so I was blown away by that set-up."

He added: "I like the way the architecture of the Millennium Bridge echoes the slow turn the river makes. I hope my set-up will also complement that, running alongside the shoreline."

He said he hoped volunteers would benefit from taking part, adding: "When you're naked, you will be a little bit nervous unless you're in your bathtub. I hope this was a great opportunity for people to get comfortable with their bodies."

He also said he was looking forward to returning in January to hang the exhibition which was commissioned by Baltic and BBC Three and funded by the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative as part of the Culture 10 programme.