THE start of a pilgrims’ way will be that much brighter thanks to a new piece of art currently being created in Reading town centre.
British artist David Speed has painted the Estrellas del Camino (the Stars of the Way) mural as part of Las Estrellas del Camino, the world’s largest urban art exhibition.
Curated by Estrella Galicia it will feature more works spread over 78 miles (126km) along several stages of the Camino Ingles/English Way walking route, of which Reading is the starting point.
Known as the St James’ Way over here, it is one of seven recognised routes which form the Camino de Santiago on its way to Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain.
Mr Speed’s mural can be seen on the side of Haslams estate agents’ Friar Street office, and uses his neon technique. It features an image of Heather Small, lead singer of the 90s dance music band, M People.
She walked the route for the BBC television series, Pilgrimage: The Road to Santiago, in 2018, becoming an ambassador for the Camino.
The mural is very close to Reading’s Abbey Quarter, where the St James Way starts its 70-mile route to Southampton.
John McLaughlin, REDA board member lead for tourism and general manager of the Reading Hilton hotel, said: “It’s exciting to see that Reading’s unique place at the start of the St James’ Way and as part of one of the world’s most famous pilgrimages, the Camino de Santiago, is being recognised.
“Since the waymarking of the St James’ Way was completed last year, Reading is seeing a steady stream of people walking the 70-mile long-distance walking route while more than 250 people joined one of the Camino-related events during May’s Reading Walks Festival.
“Reading has a rich medieval heritage with the Abbey as the starting point for pilgrims up until the 16th century.
“The new mural celebrates the people who are walking the Camino de Santiago in modern times for health, leisure or spiritual reasons and will help attract visitors to Reading and support the local economy.”
And Steve Woodford, managing director of Haslams, said: “This new exciting mural helps showcase Reading as a destination and is part of the bigger picture of investment and development in Reading town centre.
“Haslams are proud to be able to host Heather Small on the wall of our building and we are looking forward to seeing the many visitors who come to see the mural and to visit Reading.”
