IT MIGHT now be a memory, but Reading’s last remaining gas tower has been given a fond farewell by Newtown residents.
This month, the community is hosting a free exhibition in The Fisherman’s Cottage on Kennetside.
A Walk Along The Kennet, curated by Mary Chambers and Leslee Barron, follows on from their previous exhibition, Farewell To The Gas Tower.
The show features artworks, prints and paintings devoted to the area around Newtown and the River Kennet. In addition to the gas tower, it features birds, boats and scenic images, all from community artists.
Ms Barron said: “Our venue is The Fisherman’s Cottage, which aptly overlooks the river Kennet.
“We have both local amateurs and professional artists taking part. The brief was to take a closer look and be inspired by the place we’ve chosen to live, Newtown.
“This has resulted in an eclectic mix of 15wonderful artworks.”
And it is clear there is a lot of love for Newtown from its residents, as Ms Barron explained: “We are lucky. Newtown does seem to have more than its fair share of creative folk.
“What’s great about organising art exhibitions like this is that it brings members of our community together, not only to take part but to support the work of our local artists.
“We’re hoping the exhibition, which is on for the rest of May, attracts more customers into the pub. So come along to look at the art, have a drink and maybe a bite to eat. I can recommend the Turkish meatballs.”
And, Ms Barron said, “As a token of our appreciation to Cigdem, the landlady of The Fisherman’s Cottage, we’ve agreed to donate a portion of any sales to an animal rescue charity.”
