Classic CMK ‘Octo’ Sculpture Listed
The famous sculpture sits between Norfolk and Ashton Houses in its reflecting pool, which was originally dyed blue to enhance the reflection.
One of CMK’s most recognisable artworks, the ‘Octo’ figure of eight infinity sculpture, has been listed by Historic England. The sculpture, which famously appeared in Cliff Richard’s ‘Wired for Sound’ music video, was created by artist Wendy Taylor.
“Concrete Cows apart, Octo is our best known sculpture and has been widely illustrated,” says Tim Skelton, Chair of MK Forum (the Civic Society for Milton Keynes). “The siting together with Norfolk and Ashton Houses could not be better and was a touch of inspired genius. It’s a truly lovely work and it is fascinating to walk around it and see how the shape changes.”
The reflecting pool around the sculpture was threatened as part of a planning application last year to turn much of the garden north of Ashton House into parking. That planning application was withdrawn, but a new application has recently been submitted to create a smaller car park in the same area. Although the plans retain a few of the trees presently on the site, they would result in the loss of a sizeable area of public green space.
