Jennie Lee Public Art Commission

Baroness Jennie Lee (1904–1988)

A pioneer of the arts and a founding force behind The Open University

Jennie Lee laying the foundation stone of the Jennie Lee Building on the OU campus, Milton Keynes in 1973. [Image supplied by the Open University]

A new sculptural tribute to Jennie Lee

Milton Keynes City Council and The Open University are proud to mark the legacy of Jennie Lee, an inspirational figure whose work transformed access to both arts and education.

2026 marks 60 years since Jennie Lee presented her visionary ‘University of the Air’ White Paper to Parliament – the proposal that led to the creation of The Open University in Milton Keynes in 1969. A year earlier, her 1965 Arts White Paper helped shape a national Arts Council dedicated to ensuring the arts are for everyone.

To honour her extraordinary impact, we are creating the first ever figurative sculpture of Jennie Lee.

About the Artwork

The sculpture currently in Station Square has been created by renowned artist Andy Edwards, known for public artworks including The Beatles and David Bowie.
He has worked closely with materials from the Open University Archive to capture Jennie’s character, confidence and determination.

This initial version of the final sculpture is part of the creative process and helps us gather public feedback before the final bronze sculpture is installed.

Who Was Jennie Lee?

Born in Fife, Scotland, in 1904
Elected to Parliament in 1929 as one of its youngest and first female MPs
Appointed Minister for the Arts in 1964
Led major national reforms in arts policy and adult education
Her work directly established The Open University
Continued serving as a Life Peer until her death in 1988

Jennie believed passionately in education for all and arts for everyone. Her legacy continues to shape the cultural life of Milton Keynes today.

Jennie Lee campaigning in Scotland in 1930. [Image supplied by the Open University]

Find Out More

The Open University Archive holds Jennie Lee’s personal papers and offers a fascinating insight into her life and achievements.
Email: university-archive@open.ac.uk

Have Your Say

We want your help to shape the final artwork.

Tell us:

What events should accompany the final unveiling?
What does Jennie Lee mean to you and to Milton Keynes?
Where should the final statue be located outside Milton Keynes Central Station?

Share your thoughts: culture@milton-keynes.gov.uk