‘NURP 40 TW 194’

Client: Milton Keynes Town Council and West Bletchley Council
Artist: David Appleyard
Fabricator: Graphic Relief (concreate panels) and Artist (Corten Steel structure),
Location and Date: West Bletchley, Milton Keynes 2014

A permanent public artwork has been located outside Bletchley Station. The work references various aspects of Bletchley’s rich history, drawing particular attention to the history of Bletchley Park and the code breakers who worked there during WW2.

The project involved working closely with the project’s steering group, which included members from the West Bletchley Council, Denbigh and the Leys Neighbourhood Action Group, West Bletchley Neighbourhood Action Group and Community Officers. David Appleyard was appointed to deliver an artwork that creatively interpreted the rich culture and heritage of the West Bletchley.

A series of community engagement and consultation events were delivered throughout the commission and informed the resulting artwork. The piece, ‘NURP 40 TW 194’ was titled after a carrier pigeon found in the area. The pigeon was believed to be on its way to Bletchley Park during World War II. The hut form has no obvious entrance but includes a small brass letterbox capable of receiving messages. The gable ends of the hut are cast in a fine glass-reinforced concrete and detail a 1938 OS Map of Bletchley in low relief.