Skip to content
The Parks Trust
Go to Cart
a tall vertical pole made of wood with figure's carved into its wood
Onwards and Upwards

Onwards and Upwards by Robert Koenig (2011)

Replacing Metropolis by the same artist which was removed in 2000 due to deterioration. Onwards and Upwards was commissioned in 2010 to celebrate the retirement of the Trust’s then chair of Trustees John Duggan and was created as a representation of the growth and development of both the park and the city. It was carved from a single piece of eight-metre-high sweet chestnut and installed in August 2011. Another example of the artist’s work, Boy and Girl, can be seen in the Kents Hill area near the Open University.

Robert Koenig (1951-2023) was a wood sculptor and creator of coloured reliefs in wood, born in Manchester. They studied at Brighton Polytechnic for first-class honours degree in fine art, in 1976–8 gaining higher diploma for sculpture at Slade School of Fine Art and created many public art pieces for various locations across the UK.

Onwards and Upwards can be found south side of the cricket area at Campbell Park at What3Words location unwind.sage.nuzzling.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Campbell Park Light Pyramid and Beacon

Light Pyramid

Light Pyramid (2012) White steel beacon by Liliane Lijn, replacing an original damaged by lightning.
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.
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 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.
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.

Plan your visit