The Great Escape *
A few days ago, the above art work appeared overnight on an outside wall of Reading Prison which has stood empty since it closed at the end of 2013. There was immediate speculation it was the work of the street artist Banksy whose identity has never been confirmed despite the fact his numerous works have appeared at various locations over a long period of years.
The paintings often form a social message and can be controversial. Reading Prison is very much a controversial place – it is owned by the Ministry of Justice who have been trying to dispose of it for the last 7 years. For them one of the problems is the property is designated a grade II listed building which means it cannot be demolished or substantially altered without prior consent from the Local Authority – Reading Borough Council. There have been calls for it to be used as a public amenity such as a theatre or arts facility and a deal to redevelop it has fallen through so in effect there has been little or no progress for 7 years.
Yesterday Banksy confirmed it was his art work although he did not shed any light on who the figure was supposed to be. Much of the local view is that it is a representation of Oscar Wilde, the Victorian actor, writer and poet who was incarcerated there from 1895 to 1897 – probably the prisons main claim to fame.
It is questionable as to whether the painting helps or hinders the current deadlock although it has provided some amusement for local residents in what is otherwise a depressing time!
———————————————————————————————--
Grateful thanks to everyone who has looked at my photostream and commented and/or faved this photograph. Your interest is very much appreciated.
Most important of all, continue to keep safe during these uncertain times!
————————————————————————————————
The Great Escape *
A few days ago, the above art work appeared overnight on an outside wall of Reading Prison which has stood empty since it closed at the end of 2013. There was immediate speculation it was the work of the street artist Banksy whose identity has never been confirmed despite the fact his numerous works have appeared at various locations over a long period of years.
The paintings often form a social message and can be controversial. Reading Prison is very much a controversial place – it is owned by the Ministry of Justice who have been trying to dispose of it for the last 7 years. For them one of the problems is the property is designated a grade II listed building which means it cannot be demolished or substantially altered without prior consent from the Local Authority – Reading Borough Council. There have been calls for it to be used as a public amenity such as a theatre or arts facility and a deal to redevelop it has fallen through so in effect there has been little or no progress for 7 years.
Yesterday Banksy confirmed it was his art work although he did not shed any light on who the figure was supposed to be. Much of the local view is that it is a representation of Oscar Wilde, the Victorian actor, writer and poet who was incarcerated there from 1895 to 1897 – probably the prisons main claim to fame.
It is questionable as to whether the painting helps or hinders the current deadlock although it has provided some amusement for local residents in what is otherwise a depressing time!
———————————————————————————————--
Grateful thanks to everyone who has looked at my photostream and commented and/or faved this photograph. Your interest is very much appreciated.
Most important of all, continue to keep safe during these uncertain times!
————————————————————————————————