The Station Hill Public Art programme
The Public Art programme is driven by a bold and visionary Public Art and Cultural Strategy developed by Lincoln MGT, local councillors, Reading Council officers, and representatives from local arts organisations.
It boasts a series of ambitious new artworks from Reading Station through to the town centre. From LED artworks capturing the people and places at the heart of Reading; to a bold marigold seed silhouette elevated on a plinth inset with sensory bronze reliefs; and a gently undulating kinetic flag changing appearance from day to night; these artworks help craft a dynamic urban landscape that resonates with the local heritage and Reading’s future ambitions.
Each artistic intervention creates a landmark, guiding residents and visitors alike on a journey that bridges past and present, while celebrating Reading’s evolving identity.
Mosaic Murals
A collaborative mural by artists Stuart Melrose and Kev Munday, Friars Walk offers a playful exploration of Reading’s history. Drawing on community contributions, the mural incorporates stories, illustrations, and references to the people and places that have shaped the town over the years.
The artwork comes to life throughout the year, animating to highlight key local events and milestones.
Pivotal
Pivotal is a monumental kinetic artwork inspired by flags, that marks a new, bright and creative era for Reading.
The artwork is composed of 73 brightly coloured fins that are rotated around the pole to suggest an object in motion. Each fin has a kinetic surface that moves in the wind. The changeability of the wind will mean that this artwork will behave differently from moment to moment.
At night, the artwork will dramatically transform due to animated lighting within the core of each fin.
Seed
The silhouette of a Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) seed is seated on a brick terrazzo plinth amongst a series of bronze discs depicting microscopic seed textures. Reflecting the legacy of Reading as an exceptional place, seeds are powerful metaphors for potential, growth and transformation. The artwork is inspired by the origins of Sutton’s Seeds in 19th century Reading, merging botany, history and image microscopy.