A NEW exhibition has been installed at Reading Museum sharing the art work, collections, and stories of people in and around Reading.
Communities working with the High Street Heritage Action Zone submitted exhibits for the new display at the museum which takes a look at how local people and artists respond to everyday life and the rich cultural diversity of the town.
Discovering Untold Histories features artworks created by Reading residents as well as a series of recipe cards collated by Caroline Streatfield celebrating the Oxford Road and its diverse culinary traditions.
It also features interactive and multimedia elements as part of the museum’s dedicated audio and visual installations, with spoken stories from residents put together with Baker Street Productions.
A private viewing of the exhibition was held, attended by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, community researcher with Reading University and social activist Alice Mpofu-Coles, and curator Elaine Blake.
Attendees were given the chance to take part in informal craft workshops with project contributors and given a preview of the exhibit following an introduction by some of the project’s organisers.
One of the contributors, Chris, took part in the Lifespring Stories project which explores the lives and experiences of those who attend the church.
After struggling with drug addiction, he visited the church on Oxford Road, which would go on to be a huge part of his recovery as he found religion.
“My life was totally turned around– I was saved, and I called out, and because of that day I’m still here now.
“The church and its community is making such an impact in this area.”
He said that the exhibit would help bring the church’s work to a wider audience in a secular setting, and is just one example of the stories of local people which the High Street Heritage Action Zone is telling.
Reading Museum is also seeking to install a permanent exhibit of the project, which will form part of the Oracle Gates installation.
Discovering Untold Histories is showing at Reading Museum’s Welcome Gallery until Saturday, June 3.
Entry to the exhibition is free, with more information available via: readingmuseum.org.uk
More information about the High Street Heritage Action Zone is available via: https://www.reading.gov.uk
