Milton Keynes Council ensures '˜Silent Solider' artworks will never be forgotten

Two life-size sculptures of soldiers made of wire have been bought by MK Council to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War.
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The £750 apiece silhouettes depict the iconic British Tommy, complete with gun, and will be taken to schools and city landmarks in the run up to Remembrance Day.

But some cynics have already described the ‘silent solider’ sculptures, which are part of a national charitable project, as looking unintentionally “rather rude”.

“I know they are for a brilliant cause and they are beautiful pieces of art. But the gun looks like an, er, appendage to me,” said one critic.

MK Council has purchased two Silent Soldier sculpturesMK Council has purchased two Silent Soldier sculptures
MK Council has purchased two Silent Soldier sculptures

The Tommy figures are part of the There But Not There 2018 Armistice scheme for the charity Remembered.

Similar to the ceramic poppies scheme of 2014, proceeds from selling the sculptures will go to charities to help service personnel and veterans.

MK Council leader Pete Marland said: “Using the “There but not there,” and “Silent Soldier,” artworks will be a way to engage with people and allow people to remember and reflect in a quiet and personal way. It also highlights that the towns and villages of north Bucks that became Milton Keynes played their role in both world wars.”

He added: “We will also be reaching out to schools to help teach our young people about the sacrifices made by ordinary men and women, and I hope the commemorations are a fitting tribute to our servicemen.”

MK Council has purchased two Silent Soldier sculpturesMK Council has purchased two Silent Soldier sculptures
MK Council has purchased two Silent Soldier sculptures

MK Council will commemorate Armistice with a special event at MK Rose. Many parish and town councils will hold their own events and there will be the usual parades across the city.

The £750, 6ft tall Tommy figures can be purchased from the Remembered website. People can also buy smaller 10in high Tommy models for their homes.

Remembered charity was formed after the enormous impact of the There But Not There installation in Penshurst Church in Kent in November 2016.

The There But Not There project has three aims - to commemorate those who died in the war, to educate the younger generations and to heal today’s veterans.

MK Council has purchased two Silent Soldier sculpturesMK Council has purchased two Silent Soldier sculptures
MK Council has purchased two Silent Soldier sculptures

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MK Council has purchased two Silent Soldier sculpturesMK Council has purchased two Silent Soldier sculptures
MK Council has purchased two Silent Soldier sculptures