In 2013 Central Bedfordshire Council invited artists to present their ideas for some public art in Ampthill Heights – map. This would be paid for with funds from the housing developer, Bloor Homes. Four artists submitted sketch designs.
Artist J Kay Aplin accepted the commission. The winning design consisted of mushrooms and flowers – large enough to sit on – decorated with mosaic tiles. The mosaic captured local themes, namely Queen Catherine of Aragon who was held at Ampthill Castle (1531-1533), Capability Brown who landscaped Ampthill Park in the 18th Century, and Kit Williams’ book Masquerade (1979) which fueled a national treasure hunt for the golden hare.
During 2014 Kay visited Ampthill a few times to engage with local people and develop the artwork. This included workshops where families from Ampthill Heights helped to make the mosaic and moulded clay hares.
In September 2014 the art was installed. I snapped merrily over the next year. My collection of photographs glimpses Our Art from the very beginning and in four seasons.
For Christmas 2015 Ampthill Town Council kindly chose one of my photographs for the annual festive bookmark. Enjoy!
Hare Brained Happenings 
Well done you !
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