Why does Milton Keynes have concrete cows and where are they now? Here’s all you need to know
TODAY marks the 50th anniversary of Milton Keynes, which was officially declared a new town on January 23, 1967.
Built to help cater for housing shortages in London, the town has become famous for its 126 roundabouts and its concrete cows – but what are they?
Why does Milton Keynes have concrete cows?
The Concrete Cows is an iconic art sculpture in Milton Keynes that was created in 1978 by Canadian artist Liz Leyh.
The animals consist of three black and white cows and three calves, which are approximately half life sized.
Their bodies were made from scrap and their skin was formed from fibre glass reinforced concrete that was gifted to the artist by a local builder.
What is the meaning behind the concrete cows?
The cows were created as a leaving present from the Milton Keynes Development Corporation, which was in charge of constructing the new town from the mid-1960s.
Some later commentators have interpreted it as a piece of conceptual art, with the animals designed to poke fun at the notion of the new town held by commuters who were used to concrete buildings and landscapes.
The cows are now arguably the town's most photographed residents and are a key part in Milton Keynes' history.
Where are the concrete cows in Milton Keynes now?
The cows were first made at Stacey Hill Farm, which is now the site of the Milton Keynes Museum, and were first showcased at a parkland in Bancroft.
Since then they had resided beside the Central Milton Keynes Shopping Centre, the National Hockey Stadium and INTU Milton Keynes.
In Spring 2016, they were moved back to where they were created – MK Museum.
Replicas, made by Bill Billings, can be seen in Bancroft located next to the A422 near its junction with the A5.
Have the concrete cows ever been vandalised?
The concrete cows have had a rather adventurous life.
During their time they have been covered in BSE graffiti, been stolen and kept for ransom, been placed in compromising positions, had pyjamas painted on them and have even been beheaded.
In 2012, the famous concrete cows were given a skeletal makeover by vandals in time for Halloween.
The cost of repairing the herd was estimated to cost around £2,000, according to the Parks Trust.
What is Milton Keynes doing for its 50th anniversary celebrations?
There is a programme of events being held in Milton Keynes for its 50th year.
These include parties, festivals, exhibitions, trails, interactive public art and international collaborations.
The year-long celebrations are said to be in promotion of the town's architecture, green spaces, culture and people.
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