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an almost square rock with a swan and person carved into it
Leda and the Swan

Leda and the Swan by Michael Morse McDonald (1992)

Leda and the Swan was gifted by the artist to The Parks Trust in 1992. Carved from granite, originally sited at Willen Lake due to the number of swans that grace the grounds and lakeside. The carved piece shows a swan with its wings outstretched, wearing a chain at the base of its neck. Opposite is a female figure with her hand on its neck.

Based on Greek mythology, the tale of Leda and the Swan has been a subject for many different artists in different mediums over the centuries.  Artist Michael Morse McDonald took inspiration from the Greek god Zeus disguishes himself as a swan to seduce Leda, a spartan Queen.

In 2022 the artwork was relocated to be part of the public art collection in Campbell Park. Leda and the Swan can be found in western corner of the park at What3Words location headstone.weekends.hems.

 

Campbell Park Public Art

The original vision for Campbell Park was for it to be the cultural heart of the city, with sculptures sited in the park alongside art installations, performances and temporary shows. Today you can see thirteen pieces of public art within the park.

Public Art
a metal sphere best descripted as flat metal lines combined creating a not full formed sphere

Armillary Sphere

Armillary Sphere (1995) Created by Justin Tunley, located in the Labyrinth at Campbell Park.
Wooden sculpture with stool in Campbell Park in Milton Keynes

Cave

Cave (2011) Concrete and wood sculpture by Ivan and Heather Morison.
a large stone with a person carved into it

War Veteran

War Veteran (2015) Life-sized sculpture by Ronald Rae, carved from granite and installed in Campbell Park.
this is a large rectangular stone of which a skeleton of an animal has been created as well as a person

Animals in War

Animals in War (1998) Granite sculpture by Ronald Rae, honouring animals that died in wars.
The image shows a tall, abstract metal sculpture with a deep reddish hue, prominently displayed in a landscaped area. The sculpture features two elongated, interconnected loops designed to look like people. The area surrounding the sculpture is fenced off with a black metal railing, and the ground is covered with low-lying greenery and small flowers. In the background, there are tall, leafy trees under a clear blue sky, creating a peaceful and well-maintained park-like setting.

Chain Reaction

Chain Reaction (1992) Iconic public art piece by Rae Smith, symbolizing interconnectedness.
an almost square rock with a swan and person carved into it

Leda and the Swan

Leda and the swan (1992) Granite sculpture by Ronald Rae, inspired by Greek mythology.
this piece of art started of as twigs intertwined to create a den like structure however as time as passed is as grown leaves to create a large bush like appearance with vibrant leaves

Circle Dance

Circle Dance (1997) Living sculpture by Clare Wilks, crafted from willow trees by the canal.
a large metal head made of metal, it is a copper colour as you walk around the piece the head becomes almost 3D as a second head is slotted through the middle of the first

Head

Head (1990) Corten steel sculpture by Allen Jones, creating a 3D illusion of a human head.
this stone structure has 3 varying vertical rectangular poles however between the 2nd a 3rd pole a large stone ball has been merged into the gap between the poles

Gnomon

Gnomon (1994) Slate and bronze sculpture by Peter Bowker, referencing Milton Keynes’ ley-line.
A tall wooden totem pole with carved and painted human figures stands upright in a grassy area surrounded by lush green trees. The totem pole is prominently positioned with a clear blue sky in the background

Onwards and Upwards

Onwards and Upwards (2010) Sweet chestnut sculpture by Robert Koenig, symbolizing growth.
Campbell Park Light Pyramid and Beacon

Light Pyramid

Light Pyramid (2012) White steel beacon by Liliane Lijn, replacing an original damaged by lightning.
A black wooden sculpture resembling two branching structures stands amidst dense greenery and tall grass in a wooded area. The sculpture is surrounded by trees and foliage, blending into the natural environment.

Support

Support (2019) Black-painted oak sculpture by Alec Finlay, commemorating Mike Stanley.
The image depicts an outdoor memorial featuring cylindrical pillars of varying heights arranged on a tiled platform under a clear blue sky. Each pillar is inscribed with important dates or events, such as "HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY" and "LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES." The installation includes a dome-like structure in the background, with trees and greenery visible. The design invites reflection on significant historical moments.

Milton Keynes Rose

Milton Keynes Rose (2014) Public space created by Gordon Young in Campbell Park for commemoration, celebration, and contemplation.
Downhill path in Campbell Park in summer
Campbell Park

Residing in the heart of Milton Keynes, this Grade II listed landscape connects the city centre to the linear park network. As well as public art, visitors can discover water features, the Grand Union Canal, a cricket pitch and an amphitheatre.

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