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Art sculpture in parkland with trees behind

Nobody Lives By The Grid

Ian Morison, developed with long-term collaborator Heather Peak (2026)

Created by artist Ivan Morison, developed with long-term collaborator Heather Peak, the piece was commissioned by Milton Keynes City Council in partnership with The Parks Trust. This section 106 funded artwork ‘Nobody Lives by the Grid’ comprises of a series of sculptures entitled: The Witness and the Darling, the Stranger, the Tender Menace, and the Last to Leave.  

The artworks are set within the landscape of Ouzel Valley Park by near the community of Oakgrove. These sculptures are inspired by everyday forms and explore the themes of community, ecology and imagination. Made from bronze, granite and marble these artworks were shaped by ideas and input from the local community, working in close collaboration with Oakgrove Primary School, the artwork reflects the community and the local natural environment, creating a shared space for everyone to connect, pause and experience the landscape in a new way.

Find out more about the project.

Art sculpture made from bronze, granite and marble on a bench
The Stranger
Art sculpture made on pedestal with stools around
The Tender Menance
Art sculpture made from bronze, granite and marble
The Witness and the Darling
Public art in the parks

Discover the pieces of public art which we care for across Milton Keynes' parks and green spaces.

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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.

Frog Band

Frog Band (2013) Created by Emmanuel Changunda and Obediar Madziva at Howe Park Wood.

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.
Shell fossil in stone sculpture

The Fossils

The Fossils (2021) 3 fossils carved into 3 freshly-hewn boulders by Louis Francis
A grassy area featuring distinct white leaf printed stones, creating a striking contrast against the green landscape.

Lime Leaf Stepping Stones

Lime Leaf Stepping Stones (2021) Stone stepping stones shaped like lime leaves, carved by Louis Francis.
This image shows several large, rust-colored metal horseshoes standing upright on a grassy field. The horseshoes are partially buried in the ground and vary in size. The background is filled with dense green trees and foliage.

The Horseshoes

The Horseshoe (2021) Metal sculptures by Arcangel, celebrating canal heritage.
The image shows wooden carved seed pods arranged against a backdrop of grass and a tree. The seed pods vary in size and have intricate details, rough surface pairs with the natural outdoor setting of the tree and grass. The earthy tones of the wood blend harmoniously with the green surroundings.

The Seed Pods

The Seedpods (2021) Redwood sculptures by Ian Freemantle nestled in the parks wildflower meadow
A wooden sculpture of a snake is placed on a grassy area, surrounded by dense, green foliage in the background.

The Snake

The Snake (2021) Redwood sculptures by Ian Freemantle at Great Linford Manor Park.
This image shows a silver metal sculpture in the shape of a large, intricate leaf. The leaf is standing upright on a patch of grass, with lush green bushes and trees in the background.

The Lime Leaf Chair

The Lime Leaf Chair (2021) Sculpture by Arcangel, inspired by Linford Lime trees.
lifelike wooden sheep sculptures are positioned among green grass and trees in an outdoor park setting.

The Sheep

The Sheep (2021) Lifelike wooden sheep carved by Luke Chapman.