Historic shopping centre ducks reunited at museum

Two ducks which were first displayed in a town in 1969 have been reunited for a special Easter display at a local museum.

The sculptures were made by artist Peter Hand for the then-newly developed Friars Square shopping centre in Aylesbury.

They remained there until 1987, when they were eventually sold privately.

Discover Bucks Museum is reuniting the feathered friends outside its building for a limited amount of time before they are returned to their owners.

Jenny Dewhirst, the manager of the Discover Bucks Museum, said: "It's been a joy to bring these ducks together again and put them on public display after so many years.

"They're a happy part of many people's childhood and you can't help but smile when you see them."

In the early 19th Century, almost everyone who lived in an area of the town known as Duck End worked as a ducker breeding the Aylesbury duck.

The breed was held in great regard, being one of the first taken from Europe to the United States.

It was this important piece of local history that led Hand, the artist, to choose the Aylesbury duck as the sculptures to be created for the new shopping centre.

After being removed from the shopping centre in 1987, one of the ducks ended up being sold to Aylesbury Football Club, and the other to a local resident who displays it in their front garden.

Aylesbury United director Simon Lacy said: "The Friar ducks have long been a quirky but cherished part of Aylesbury's rich heritage and their return marks a special moment.

"We hope they bring back fond memories for long-time residents and spark curiosity in future generations."

When the sculptures were first created, they were on display alongside another pair of animals.

Ms Dewhirst wants to arrange the ultimate reunion.

"The whereabouts of the turkeys remains a mystery and we'd love to hear from anyone who has a clue as to what happened to them."

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