Caring for the Park
At eight metres high, Onwards and Upwards by Robert Koenig, is one of the three tallest artworks in Campbell Park.
Together, its three tallest sculptures tell the story of Campbell Park: Light Pyramid keeps alight the original vision of a city park, supported by the tenacious landform of the Belvedere and its appeal as a point of illumination and gathering. Chain Reaction embodies the change and fusion needed to facilitate the cultural shift away from the Development Corporation. Onwards and Upwards, commissioned specifically to mark the retirement of a Parks Trust chair of Trustees, then points the way forward towards the challenges that the organisation will face as the city, with 25% of its area being parkland, continues to change and grow.
Image 1: Onwards and Upwards by Robert Koenig
The Parks Trust was set up by the Milton Keynes Development Corporation to care for the parks forever. Its charitable objectives are to manage the parks, and to encourage the people of Milton Keynes to use and understand them. Public art, trails, events and outdoor learning are all part of trying to achieve this mission.
Installed in 2011, Onwards and Upwards replaced an earlier sculpture by the same artist, Metropolis, which was also carved from a single piece of wood. This earlier sculpture was installed in 1991 but sadly did not survive weathering.
Image 2: Metropolis by Robert Koenig which was replaced due to deterioration (Living Archive: 043)
Koenig is seen in this film working on Metropolis in his studio at Westbury Farm while he shares his views on Milton Keynes as an artistic venue. (Living Archive: JHA/002/001)
Follow the Campbell Park Trail to discover the history of this Grade II listed landscape. Featuring archive photos and videos with the people who helped make the park what it is today.
