A CELEBRATED business in Reading has announced that it is set to close after five decades of serving the town.
Owners of But Is It Art have posted to social media to confirm that the shop on Queen Victoria Street, central Reading, is set to close its doors for the last time in January.
The shop has been serving customers since 1973, bringing art, cards, gifts, jewellery, and homeware to the town’s residents.
The independent business is celebrated for its individuality and its unique selection of products since it opened in Broad Street Mall, then known as the Butts Centre.
However on January 6th next year, But Is It Art will be closing for good, owners explained.
They said in a statement: “It’s hard to believe but after over 50 amazing years, we’ll be saying goodbye–on January 6th, 2025, But Is It Art? will close its doors one last time.
“From our humble beginnings in the 70s to today, we’ve loved every moment of being your quirky spot in Reading where you could escape the ordinary, find a bit of joy, and have a fair few laughs along the way.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to be part of this community -to bring you the treasures, the tongue-in-cheek humour, and the memories.
“We’re deeply grateful to every one of you who has shopped, laughed, and shared in the spirit of what makes this place so special.
“Please come and see us (at least) one last time, relive a few memories, and celebrate with us before we bid farewell.”
It concluded: “Thank you, Reading, for making But Is It Art? so much more than just a shop.
“With love and gratitude, from Steve, Jackie, and the But Is It Art? Team.”
