I am trying to build a series of guides to the highlights of Reading town. The first of these covered the museums you could visit. This one takes a look at public works of art that you can see around the town, all of which are free.
All photos have been taken by myself and are free to use under the terms of the CC BY-ND 4.0 licence, basically you are free to use the pictures even commercially but you must attribute.
This is very much a work in progress and I will add more as and when I come to them so check back.
Reading Public Art Works
Art Works Featured on the Map
Royals, Residents & A Rock Festival – Station Hill
The Station Hill area has lain abandoned for decades as various developers sought to bring life to the area. Now it has been transformed and has some fantastic art works of which this must be the crowning glory.
Rivers, Ruins & Regency – Friars Walk
Sister piece to the one above which is much smaller but no less impressive.
Pivotal – Station Hill
A kinetic artwork outside ONE Station Hill, inspired by “flags and symbolising a bright and creative era for Reading”. Basically the yellow bits ripple in the breeze creating a pleasing effect.
Seed – Station Hill Square
Also part of the new Station Hill development. This picture doesn’t show it but this also includes a series of low fountains which are lit and would be great for young kids to run through. You can see a picture of it here.
Black History Mural – Mill Lane
Probably the best known mural in Reading is the one celebrating black history that can be seen from the Inner Distribution Road (IDR) opposite the Oracle shopping centre.
139-141 Oxford Road – Russell Street
At the bottom of Russell Street in a conservation area is a mural celebrating all the people and businesses that have occupied 139-141 Oxford Road, a grade 2 listed building, since 1829.
The Market Tree – St. Mary’s Butts
An attractive piece spoilt by the parked cars and vans and constant rubbish dumped in front of it.
The World Reimagined Global Trail – Reading University
A series of six brightly painted globes exploring the “Transatlantic Slave Trade and its impact on all of us.”
Maiwand Lion – Forbury Gardens
It’s a myth that the artist, George Blackall Simonds, committed suicide because of the “incorrect” position of the legs.
Banksy’s Create Escape – Forbury Road
As is always the case with Banksy this piece appeared on the wall of Reading Gaol overnight in March 2021 and was claimed shortly after. Now protected to stop the idiots vandalising it.
Trooper Potts Memorial – The Forbury
Sculpture showing Fred Potts saving the life of another soildier during the first world war. Both men were from Reading and Potts received the VC for his bravery.
International Brigade – Forbury Gardens
Memorial to three local International Brigade members who lost their lives fighting in Spain.
L’armour (The Armoured Heart) – The Oracle
Erected in 2003 and partly made from the metal reclaimed from knives handed in during amnesties, this piece highlights the issue of knife crime in the town.
Paddington Bear – Broad Street
Installed as part of the marketing campaign for the third Paddington film, the statue is a reminder that Paddington author Michael Bond worked in Reading and got the idea for the stories by seeing the evacuees arriving at Reading Station.
Queen Victoria – Blagrave St
Legend has it that the Queen Vic has her back turned on Reading due to the reception she received from the locals on a visit. This, of course, isn’t true as she never actually visted Reading.
Oscar Wilde Memorial Walk Gates – Chestnut Walk
Walk and gates celebrating Reading Gaol’s most famous occupant— Oscar Wilde— his time there is documented in his The Ballad of Reading Gaol.
Abbey sculpture, Abbey Gardens
This rather odd looking piece has no real significances to its position and was, according to Reading Museum “acquired ready-made by the developers of Abbey Gardens offices.”
Robed Figure, Abbot’s Walk
While this piece might look like it was made in response to the nearby abbey, it was, like the piece above, simply bought by the developers.
Simeon Monument, Market Place
Erected and lighted for ever at the expense of Edward Simeon Esq
as a mark of affection to his native town.
AD.1804
Heather Small, Friar Street
Does this count as it’s really an advert? I’m not a fan but you might disagree. You can watch the accompanying video here.
Forbury Square
The wording on this piece was done by local artist Sally Castle, whose work I like a lot.
Sumer is icumen in, Abbey Ruins
This is a copy of a manuscript for the medieval English round, Sumer is icumen in, which was found at Reading Abbey.
Hugh de Boves, first abbot of Reading Abbey memorial, Abbey Ruins
Opposite the “Sumer is icumen in” stone inside the abbey walls is this memorial to the first abbot, Hugh de Boves.
Edward VII Statue, Blagrave Street (overlooking the station entrance)
This statue was gifted to Reading by Martin John Sutton, head of Sutton’s Seeds— one of the three B’s Reading is famous for, “bulbs” in this case.
The Oracle ‘O’, Bridge Street
On the roundabout at the bottom of Bridge Street where it meets the IDR. I couldn’t find any information about it but I assume that it was put there by the developers of The Oracle.
Reading Piece, Kennet Side
This piece has been here as long as I can remember and at least 1982 according to the inscription. It’s a bit out of the way and unloved but I like it.
Forbury Gardens War Memorial, The Forbury
Very modern looking memorial.
Memorial to Henry I, Forbury Gardens
Another striking piece of art in the Forbury Gardens.
“Hands”, Royal Berkshire Hospital
Sadly, I can find no information on this but it is a striking piece of work.
Rufus Isaacs Statue, King George V Memorial Gardens, Eldon Square
A statue to the 1st Marquess of Reading.
