MK City Council unveil first version of statue of Open University pioneer Jennie Lee

Milton Keynes City Council has unveiled an early version of the city’s statue honouring Jennie Lee, who was a key figure in the founding of the MK-based Open University.

MK City Council Leader Cllr Pete Marland unveiled a full‑size fibreglass version of the statue at Station Square outside Milton Keynes Central station yesterday (24/03).

The idea of this stage of the project is that artist Andy Edwards will be using the first version in collaboration with local people to determine the final placement of the statue in Station Square, copying work he had done with similar previous high-profile commissions such as his celebrated Beatles sculpture in Liverpool. 

The initial fibreglass statue will give residents a first opportunity to see how the final bronze artwork will look before it’s installed later this year.

The statue was commissioned to honour Jennie Lee’s remarkable role in founding The Open University (OU) and her lifelong commitment to arts, education and public service. Established in 1969 and with its head office in Walton Hall in the east of Milton Keynes, the OU is now a four-nation university in the UK and has taught more than 2.3 million students worldwide, with around 200,000 current students.

In February 1966, she produced the landmark White Paper on the University of the Air, laying the groundwork and effectively founding The Open University.  She fought for a university that was both open to everyone and which operated to the highest standards. Jennie’s actions have benefitted millions of people globally ever since. She died in November 1988 as Baroness Lee of Asheridge.

Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Pete Marland, said, “It’s a real privilege to share this first look at the Jennie Lee statue. Jennie was a remarkable woman whose work changed education in this country forever, yet she has never had the recognition she truly deserves. Too often her achievements have been overlooked. Having a major artwork in Milton Keynes that celebrates her role in creating The Open University feels exactly right. I’m looking forward to seeing the final sculpture capture both her strength and her spirit.”

Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, Professor Dave Phoenix, added, “Jennie’s pioneering spirit and determination was the driving force behind the establishment of The Open University, and it is hugely fitting that she will be commemorated in this way in this, in this the 60th anniversary year of her ground-breaking White Paper.

“This statue will give visibility to Jennie’s achievements and her association with the OU and its home here in Milton Keynes.

“The statue will be a great addition to how our institution continues to mark the 60th anniversary of Jennie’s legacy. We look forward to seeing the final artwork.”