Milton Keynes Council has celebrated the unveiling a new piece of public art in Newton Leys.
The local community including the Newton Leys Public Art Steering Group and Newton Leys Primary School worked with artist Sarah Staton to create the three-sided structure called ‘Alphonso’.
The work, which was formally unveiled to the local community at an event last weekend, was entirely funded by nearby housing developers’ contributions set aside for public art.
The structure is built from nearby wood-fired brick and features a bespoke tiled wall depicting the local area, its wildlife and history. It also includes a decorative archway and seating area overlooking Willow Lake in Newton Leys.
During Alphonso’s design and development, the Steering Group who helped to create it were invited to visit nearby brickworks H.G. Matthews, to discover more about their local area’s brickmaking heritage, and whose bricks also helped to build the structure.
Deputy Leader of MK Council and Cabinet Member responsible for Culture, Cllr Robin Bradburn said: "This is an exciting new addition to the rich and diverse portfolio of more than 250 pieces of public art across Milton Keynes.
“Local people have played a significant role in the development of this cultural project, and we’re grateful for all their time and commitment in ensuring the work is reflective of its new community and its heritage.”
Sarah Staton, the artist who led the work, said: “With its fine location, so much thought, discussion and research going into the design and build process, I hope that Alphonso will be enjoyed by the community for years to come. Its name is a reference to the many Italians who worked at the brickworks.”