MissFire, the metalwork artist who is creating the OU’s magnificent Tree of Learning has given us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the amazing 22-foot sculpture. After months of hard work, MissFire will be installing the Tree piece by piece in the Betty Boothroyd Library on the Milton Keynes campus in late September.

The Tree will be home to over 7,000 personalised shields, each recognising the support of the University’s generous donors during this 50^th Anniversary year. Take a look at the below video to see MissFire in action:

As part of the OU’s landmark Anniversary, we have created a special 50th Anniversary Scholarships Fund to ensure more carers and vulnerable people get the opportunity to study with the OU on any of our courses. So far, the generous continued support of the University’s alumni, students and staff has raised over £350,000 and will provide the equivalent of 17 undergraduate scholarships for carers. That’s at least 17 carers who will be given the opportunity to transform their lives through the power of education.  

There are a limited number of shields remaining, so if you would like to make a donation to open up education for even more students and be recognised on the Tree of Learning, donate today.