Credit: The Open University
Milton Keynes City Council has selected renowned Artist Andy Edwards to create a new statue in the city centre to celebrate the life of Jennie Lee, the trailblazing figure who played a pivotal role in establishing The Open University.
Located near Station Square, the statue will be a lasting tribute to her vision and will recognise how The Open University has transformed education for millions of people across the world. It will be paid for using funding contributions from housing and infrastructure developers.
Andy, Founding Director of Cornovii Edwards was selected due to his outstanding portfolio of previous commissions which includes The Beatles, David Bowie and Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, alongside his knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the opportunity to celebrate the life and work of Jennie Lee.
Born in Fife, Scotland in 1904, Jennie was elected as MP for North Lanark in 1929. She was one of the first women to be elected to the House of Commons and was also the youngest member of the House at that time, aged just 24. After a lifetime of being involved in politics and campaigning – alongside her husband Aneurin “Nye” Bevan – founder of the NHS - Jennie was made Minister for the Arts in 1964. Her seminal White Paper for the Arts was produced in 1965 insisting that the arts should be central to everyday life and publicly supported for the benefit of all.
In February 1966, she produced the landmark White Paper on the University of the Air, laying the groundwork and effectively founding The Open University, as well as the establishment of a national cultural policy through The Arts Council. She faced challenges to The Open University concept, but 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.
“Jennie Lee was a pioneer whose groundbreaking impact on the arts and education in our country has rarely been given the recognition it deserves, with her too often relegated to a footnote as Nye Bevan's wife. To have a prominent statue in our city celebrating one of the key figures in establishing the Open University is very fitting. With his impressive work and his passion for Jennie’s story, I’m excited to see Andy bring to life a sculpture that reflects both her impact and her character.”
The Jennie Lee Archive collection is based at The Open University, and the Archive team will work closely with Andy on the commission’s development.
“Jennie’s leading work in establishing the OU is a landmark event for learning in the UK and globally, and with the 60th anniversary of her White Paper coming up in 2026, this is a perfect time to recognise her achievements.
“Our institution will be marking the anniversary early this year, and this statue is a great addition to the commemoration. We look forward to seeing it when complete.”
Following a period of research and design development, residents, stakeholders and partners will have the opportunity to meet Andy, hear about his work to date and engage in the process of the sculpture’s final design.
The final commission will be ready for later in 2026.
Further information about the life of Jennie Lee can be found on Exhibition: The Jennie Lee Archive Collection - Open University Digital Archive and on The Open University in Scotland website.