'Beloved' 40-year-old dinosaur sculpture in Milton Keynes set for big makeover - Buckinghamshire Live

2023-02-19 01:55:32 By : Mr. Andy Zaoo

The sculpture has stood in the same spot since 1979

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A much-loved dinosaur sculpture in Milton Keynes is set for a new lease of life. The popular Triceratops artwork found in the heart of the area will be given a makeover having stood in the city for more than 40 years.

The dino, located in Peartree Bridge, was created by Milton Keynes artist Bill Billings - the same man who made a replica of Liz Leyh's iconic concrete cows. Bill's triceratops was made in 1979 from chicken wire and concrete, just like his take on the cows.

It's been repainted a number of times over the years, including a remodel by Bill's son, Ryan, in 2018, using traditional colours. And in Spring this year, the beloved artwork will get another new look thanks to the community.

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The Parks Trust, the organisation that manages the maintenance of Milton Keynes' public spaces, will oversee the refurb. Students at nearby schools will be encouraged to submit designs for the sculpture.

Julie Dawes, who is the Parks Trust's events and community engagement manager, said that the Triceratops was a symbol of Milton Keynes' identity. She said it is hoped that the refurb will "bring the Triceratops back to its former glory".

Julie said: "When it was being designed in the 1970s and 1980s, the Development Corporation had a very unique design for Milton Keynes. Part of that was public art.

"The triceratops has been in place for 40 years. But it has suffered thanks to the bad weather in recent years. It had a repaint in 2018 by Ryan. But in the last couple of months it's really suffered.

"The sculpture is under a cover at the moment to protect it as best as possible until the work is done. It's a really unique thing and part of that uniqueness of Milton Keynes."

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