Mural celebrates history of Reading businesses
It's part of a scheme set up by Historic England
A traditional mural that celebrates the history of independent businesses along one of the busiest roads in Reading has been revealed.
A mural by artists from Momo Signs lists the businesses that have occupied a stretch of three buildings in Oxford Road from 1829 to the present day.
Businesses and organisations that have occupied the shops, situated between Russell Street and Waylen Street include grocers, a motor company, drinks sellers and takeaways.
The row is now occupied by Harput Kebab, which has been in place for 33 years, and Chapz Barbers, which opened in 2021.
The artwork was commissioned by Reading Borough Council as part of its High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, which is focused on preserving the history of conservation areas.
A post on the council’s Facebook page states: “A new traditionally hand painted sign of the names of shops that were historically know as Hampden Place is now complete at the Oxford Road end of Russell Street conservation area.
“The concept of the HSHAZ was to future-proof high streets by highlighting the heritage that is already there. We’ve been protecting and enhancing historic areas and also celebrating their uniqueness.
“Thank you Reading Conservation Area Advisory Committee and Reading Civic Society for their extensive research into the history of the buildings and residents.”
The sign replaces graffiti that has been present on the side of Hampden Place for years.
The HSHAZ was devised with Historic England in 2020, with the council receiving around £700,000 to fund community, cultural and conservation work.