Milton Keynes' griffin gets a makeover

The Griffin was built on Eaglestone in 1979 by artist Lesley Bonner and has been part of the community ever since.

While the park was closed during lockdown, freelance art technicians Aaron Head and Emma Wilde gave the artwork a makeover.

"They have restored and repainted the Griffin ready for everyone to enjoy for many years to come. If you are out and about exploring Milton Keynes and the parks, pop along and pay him a visit," said an MK Council spokesman.

Lesley Bonner was one of the Community Visual Artists for the Milton Keynes Development Corporation during the 1970s and 1980s.

She is known in MK for her public artworks, often created in collaboration with the local community on the new estates, particularly around the Beanhill area.

Lesley worked on the sculpture of the Tin Man with Liz Leyh, who was resident artist for the Development Corporation and creator of the city's famous concrete cows.

When the iconic cattle were beheaded as one of a long list of 'pranks' they have endured over the years, Lesley was called in to rebuild them, and continued to be called on to look after them for years.