expressive street art showcases deeply felt emotions in city landscapes
A vibrant and illuminated tribute to Reading's rich history and culture has taken centre stage at the Station Hill development. The 51-metre long mural, titled "Royals, Residents & a Rock Festival," is a captivating sight that draws passersby day and night.
Designed and realised by artists Stuart Melrose and Kev Munday, the mural features a host of famous figures associated with Reading, such as Kate Winslet, Ricky Gervais, Kate Middleton, Marianne Faithfull, Tutu Melaku, Dr Ethelwynn Trewavas, and Matthew Syed, as well as local landmarks like the Hexagon Theatre, the Oracle, ONE Station Hill, and the town's globally renowned rock festival.
The mural's design is a testament to the artists' creativity, with the HIMACS panels milled to precise dimensions and fitted by facade specialists AGS System Ltd. The black stencil lines needed to be drawn in such a way that every line and curve touches another, so that the HIMACS elements could be fitted neatly into each aperture of the interconnected frame. The mural's lightbox frame and black lines are made of powder-coated aluminium.
The mural's lighting program, supplied by Earlsmann and programmed by Lee Savage, allows for animated effects, such as moving wording and special effects like fireworks. The lighting effect is achieved using a "cookie-cutter" style channel and HIMACS material, which diffuses the illumination evenly. This creates a mesmerising display that brings the mural to life.
The mural is a key feature of a public realm art trail across two acres linking the station with the town centre. The Station Hill project, including the mural, is seen as a successful urban regeneration project that engages townspeople and visitors alike, becoming a popular destination in its own right.
The mural is located at a pedestrian gateway to the town, welcoming arrivals from the train station and framing the new underpass. The £1.5 million series of artworks, devised by cultural placemaking agency Futurecity, is part of the project and aims to reflect and enhance the area's cultural legacy.
The mural's collaboration with schoolchildren resulted in a series of drawings that were adapted to Kev Munday's signature style, making the mural a true representation of the community it serves. The mural's design demanded that the HIMACS panels could be removed for access to the electronics, while having expansion gaps between them, ensuring the mural's longevity.
In conclusion, the Station Hill mural is a stunning example of public art that celebrates Reading's history and culture. Its vibrant colours, intricate design, and animated lighting effects make it a must-see attraction for both locals and visitors alike. The mural's collaboration with schoolchildren and its durability make it a true testament to the community it serves.
The mural's stunning design, featuring famous Reading figures and landmarks, serves as a captivating backdrop to the Station Hill development. With animated effects and lighting that bring it to life, it could be a topic of conversation not just in local businesses and lifestyle discussions, but also in home-and-garden conversations, given its placement in the public realm. The mural's collaboration with schoolchildren and its cutting-edge technology make it a unique fusion of art, community, and the latest technology, thus enhancing the weather and lifestyle of Reading, even contributing to its home-and-garden aesthetic.
