I’ve been driving under the A329M flyover on Loddon Bridge Road for years, admiring the street art there and meaning to take a closer look. Today I finally did.
The graffiti art under the A329M flyover near the Showcase Cinema and The George pub in Earley/Woodley is widely considered Reading’s “Hall of Fame” for street art.
Unlike casual “tagging,” the underpass is a long-standing “legal” or tolerated spot where high-quality murals are created by talented artists.
About the Site
The site consists of over 20 large concrete pillars and walls that serve as an ever-changing outdoor gallery. Because it is a “Legal Wall,” artists can spend hours or even days on a single piece without the fear of being stopped, resulting in much higher quality work than typical graffiti.
You can see the works from both sides of the Loddon River but to get up close you need to go along Loddon Bridge Road. The best way to see the art is to park near The George pub or at the Showcase Cinema and take the short walk down to the river underpass. It is a popular spot for photographers and families due to the constant rotation of new talent.
Themes and Famous Pieces
The artwork is ephemeral—new pieces often cover old ones within weeks or months. However, several famous murals have gained local fame:
- The “Oscars Slap”: In 2022, artists Same and Result immortalized the infamous Will Smith and Chris Rock moment there.
- Pop Culture: You can often find detailed depictions of iconic characters from Star Wars (like C-3PO), comic books, and science fiction.
- Fine Art Parodies: At times, artists have created street-art versions of classical paintings, such as Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.
- Topical Messages: Murals often reflect current events, such as social commentary on lockdowns or mental health.
While many contributors remain anonymous, several active names in the Reading street art scene are frequently spotted there, including:
- Dark13__ (known for his detailed, community-friendly style)
- Curtis Hylton
- Skewer
- Bapsta
- Mach212
Impact
While technically a form of unauthorized art in the eyes of some, the community response has been overwhelmingly positive. It certainly brightens up an otherwise dull and drab area and better here than on a wall where the council are forced to clean it up.
The images below show the works as they were in January 2026, but as previously stated, they change frequently. And if you are in the mood for more walk from Showcase Cinema towards Dinton Pastures, where not only will you see these but also more in an attractive setting.
