Showcasing street art laden with emotion and depth in urban settings
Vibrant Public Art Mural Transforms Reading's Landscape
In the heart of Reading, England, a new public art installation has become a captivating success, serving as a destination for both townspeople and visitors alike. The mural, titled "Royals, Residents & a Rock Festival", is a striking creation that has transformed a pedestrian gateway to the town, welcoming arrivals from the train station.
This giant, complicated light box, spanning a 51-meter-long wall, is a testament to the collaborative efforts of artists Stuart Melrose and Kev Munday, along with local historians, art groups, and even school children. The mural was curated by Futurecity and commissioned by Lincoln MGT JV as part of a £1.5 million public realm art trail, linking the station with the town centre.
The mural's materials and design were carefully selected to withstand the demands of an outdoor, high-traffic area. HIMACS solid surface, specifically the Opal S302 material, was chosen for its durability, translucency, and ability to diffuse light evenly. This material was ideal for the project due to its design flexibility, toughness, compatibility with lighting and electronics, non-porous nature, resistance, ease of cleaning, and repairability[1][2].
Over 100,000 individually addressable LEDs were used to create a dynamic and colorful display. The system was designed to be programmable, allowing for various light effects and colors to enhance the mural's visual impact[2]. The HIMACS sheets were fabricated by AGS System Ltd., with each panel milled to precise dimensions to fit together like a puzzle, following the aluminium lines at the front. This design allowed for expansion gaps between panels and enabled easy removal for access to the electronics[2].
The mural's location at a key entrance to the town makes it a focal point for the £850 million Station Hill development. Councillor Liz Terry, leader of Reading Borough Council, described the project as a hugely impressive public space and the town's new front door[3]. The mural's design demands that the HIMACS panels be milled to precise dimensions, so they can be put together like a giant puzzle that follows the aluminium lines at the front.
The mural's design features an extensive, programmable system for lighting, a "cookie-cutter" style channel to guide the light, and a specific diffuser material (HIMACS) for optimal illumination effect[4]. The mural is visible from a 'pocket park' opposite and is a key feature of the public art trail.
Stuart Melrose, one of the designers, managed to surprise his wife by having the mural declare a "Happy Valentine's Day" during a sneak preview[5]. The mural pays homage to Reading's cultural heritage, including famous faces and local figures, landmarks, and the town's globally renowned rock festival. The mural's lighting program allows for animated effects, including moving words and special effects such as fireworks.
The Station Hill project, including the creation of an attractive green space and accompanying public square, will quickly become a destination in its own right. The mural's installation is a popular and captivating success, serving as a testament to the power of public art to transform a space and engage a community.
References:
[1] https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/reading-s-new-public-art-mural-brings-a-touch-of-the-festival-to-the-streets [2] https://www.ags-system.co.uk/projects/station-hill-reading [3] https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/reading-s-new-public-art-mural-5251139 [4] https://www.futurecity.org/project/station-hill-reading [5] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-55760644
- In the context of Reading's new public art mural, one might anticipate that future home-and-garden projects in the town could also integrate unique and durable materials, such as the HIMACS solid surface, for their resilience and design flexibility, similar to the mural's creation.
- As the weather-resistant mural serves as a vibrant reflection of Reading's history and cultural identity, businesses in the town could potentially align their branding and lifestyle campaigns with the mural's themes, fostering a sense of community pride and engagement, much like the mural has done for the town.
