Maier and Milton Keynes

Who on earth 'designed' Milton Keynes? Colin and I finally drove to the Vivian Maier exhibition in the MK Gallery having already put off our visit from the days of intense heat in July. Thank goodness for air conditioning in the car.

We pulled off the M1 at Junction 14 and immediately found ourselves on the 'grid' that circumnavigates the town. Roads with names like H2 and P5. Amazing that anyone is able to determine where they are.

The roadway traversed an immense park of parched grass and a water body. It looked as if water entertainments had been added. Eventually at the umpteenth roundabout, we turned left, discovered the multi storey car park on the right and Midsummer Boulevard. A little further on, another multi storey car park lay deserted, neglected and up for sale. I don't think Milton Keynes was as successful as developers had anticipated.

Unloading Colin, I turned round and entered the first multi-storey, very conveniently located for the cultural quarter and city centre shops. Where was everybody?

The Vivian Maier exhibition of photographs was wonderful. I was left with a distinct impression of dismay, abandonment and the elusiveness of the 'American Dream.'

Colin and I both enjoyed the café which has an unmistakeable continental feel especially in the heat and sunshine. The assistants were super helpful and the chef cheery, even in the face of a visit from the environmental health inspector. They do hide behind the excuse of 'we can't guarantee that everything is gluten free for you.'  That needs to change.

MK attempts to be arty. Today's photo is of the facade of the car park. The fluted openings are of different shapes. I don't know if that has any engineering significance. Extras are of two of Vivian Maier's photos. You could take photos but NOT use flash.

I do advise you to go and visit if you can. The exhibition ends in September.