Famous faces set to appear in Reading town centre

Murals are currently being installed that celebrate the people, culture and heritage of Reading.

Workers were seen installing the templates for a mural on the Reading train station underpass wall on Wednesday, January 29. 

The mural will feature Paddington Bear, the Maiwand Lion, Kate Winslet, who was born in the Royal Berkshire Hospital, and Ricky Gervais, the comedian who grew up in Whitley.

Approved concept designs for characters and buildings celebrating the history and culture of Reading. (Image: Stuart Melrose and Kev Munday)

Elsewhere, at the junction of Friar Street and Friars Walk, an installation will feature King Henry I, who founded Reading Abbey, William Marshall, the greatest knight of the land and former owner of Caversham Park, and novelist Jane Austen, who attended school in the town. 

While the artwork has not appeared for the Friars Walk mural yet, a template is in place ready for installation. 

Both murals have been created by artists Steve Melrose and Kev Munday. 

🚨Subscribe to the Reading Chronicle online for just £3 for three months or 50 per cent off annually in this flash sale offer 🗞️

- Unlimited access to articles and fewer ads
- Reader rewards scheme and puzzles https://t.co/eIg9kZLds2

— The Reading Chronicle (@rdgchronicle) January 15, 2025

Meanwhile, the Pivotal pole sculpture by the Neon arthouse and the seed sculpture by Rachael Champion and Jonathan Trayte have been installed. 

Installation of artwork is taking place in the town centre as part of the Station Hill development made up of hundreds of new apartments and office space. 

READ MORE: Readers can subscribe for just £3 for 3 months in this flash sale

Portions of the site remain sealed off while construction and installation work takes place. 

Planning application reference PL/24/1234 for the artwork was approved by Reading Borough Council at the end of November last year.