Aylesbury's Iconic Duck Sculptures Reunited for Easter at Discover Bucks Museum

Aylesbury, UK - April 2025: Two iconic duck sculptures that once stood proudly in Aylesbury's Friars Square shopping centre have been reunited for the first time since 1987. Now featured in a special Easter display at the Discover Bucks Museum, the beloved Aylesbury ducks are once again bringing smiles to faces both young and old.

The large sculptures, created by artist Peter Hand in 1969, were originally commissioned as a public art installation for the newly developed shopping centre. Their design pays homage to the town's rich agricultural past, specifically the historic duck-breeding trade that once thrived in the Duck End area of Aylesbury. The Aylesbury duck breed itself was renowned throughout the 19th century and even made its way across the Atlantic to the United States.

Though a familiar sight for nearly two decades, the ducks were removed from the shopping centre in 1987 and sold privately. One found a new home with the Aylesbury Football Club, while the other took up residence in a local garden. For many residents, these statues remained a fond but distant memory-until now.

Jenny Dewhirst, manager at Discover Bucks Museum, expressed her excitement: "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."

The ducks are currently displayed in the museum courtyard for a limited time, drawing local visitors eager to relive cherished moments. The installation has stirred nostalgia and sparked renewed interest in Aylesbury's cultural past.

Simon Lacy, director of Aylesbury United Football Club, echoed the sentiment: "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."

Interestingly, the duck sculptures were not alone when they were first created. They were once accompanied by a pair of turkey sculptures, whose whereabouts today remain unknown. Dewhirst hopes to track them down for a future full reunion.

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

For now, the ducks stand tall once again-feathered emblems of a town's enduring charm and heritage.