Information AboutConcrete Cows |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT CONCRETE COWS | |
| outdoor sculptures in england | |
| milton keynes | |
| 1978 works | |
| fictional cattle | |
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The ''Concrete Cows'' in Milton Keynes , England are an iconic work of Sculpture , created in 1978 by Canadian -born artist, Liz Leyh. There are three Cow s and three Calves , approximately half life size. CONTEXT The artist was an "Artist in Residence" in the early days of Milton Keynes and part of her role was to lead community participation in art. The ''Cows'' was one of a number of pieces created during her stay.1 Later commentators have interpreted it as an example of was building "a city in the forest", with substantially more open green space than found in traditional cities. Furthermore, there are real farms with real cows within of the site, and the cows are currently located in a real field. The Noel Edmonds regularly made jibes about them. RESPONSE On their site in a public park, the ''Cows'' have suffered many indignities — though it could be argued that these were consistent with their conceptual origins. Sometimes they have simply been vandalised,2 while at other times they have been painted pink, become Zebra s, had pyjama bottoms added, have been beheaded in the style of Damien Hirst , have acquired BSE (mad cow disease) Graffiti , had one of the calves kidnapped (with ransom notes to the local papers). One of the ''Cows'' briefly enjoyed the services of a Papier-mâché bull. When UK Culture Minister Kim Howells referred to modern art trends as "conceptual bullshit", the ''Cows'' acquired concrete cow-pats. Local legend has it that the ears of the ''Cows'' have shrunk over the years, as more protruding versions have been knocked off by enthusiastic riders. SIGNIFICANCE In a programme, The Sculpture 100 , made for (in Furzton ). TRIVIA
LOCATION The ''Cows'' are in Bancroft, next to the A422 (Monks Way) where it passes under the West Coast Main Line , near its junction with the A5 . Nearest rail stations are Milton Keynes Central and Wolverton . There is a Youth Hostel nearby, in Bradwell Village . For safe parking, use the small retail centre (northbound at Stacey Bushes roundabout on A422) and walk under the railway bridge. SEE ALSO
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