Celebrate town’s sky at night thanks to artist’s calendar
AN ARTIST who loves Reading has created a work of art so beautiful you’ll want to hang it on your wall … and change it every month.
Leslee Barron has captured images of the town during the night.
There are 12, each reflecting various scenes that people will instantly recognise and, thanks to her vision, be able to celebrate as well.
They include landmarks such as The Oracle and the river Kennet, as well as street scenes, shops and pubs. Some of the emphasis is on the area around Cemetery Junction and Newtown, as this is where the talented photographer lives.
Initially, Leslee was worried she hadn’t captured enough images to create the 12-month date for 2024, but when she started looking through her collections she was surprised to find a different problem.
“I had the idea of creating a calendar but thought I didn’t have enough photographs until I checked, then I realised I had a lot,” she says.
“The challenge was which ones to use. I set about creating a shortlist, then whittled the list down until I had 12.
“I know I’m blowing my own trumpet when I say this, but they’re all stunning images.”
The calendar might be the first time that Cemetery Junction favourite Ye Babam Ye – more famous for its kebabs and late-night cuisine – has featured in art, but it sits nicely alongside scenes of Avon Place, Kennet Walk and Broad Street in the rain.
There are also pictures of The Jolly Anglers and The Fisherman’s Cottage, pubs that are firm favourites with Newtown’s communities.
Leslee says: “If anyone has seen my photography, they’ll know how much I love where I live, The Junction, Newtown, in East Reading.
“The place buzzes with a thriving creative community.
“Never without my camera, when out walking I can easily be inspired by a reflection in the river, light hitting a building, or wildlife, and nature.
“I’m fascinated by the beauty of reflected light on wet surfaces, so I started taking photos when walking home at night.”
The calendar is A4 in size and has a half-page image and a half-page for the dates.
“It’ll make a great Christmas present,” Leslee says.
They cost £15, and the artist will be selling them on
Saturday at an art exhibition in Redlands.
St Luke’s Church is the venue for Lost and Found, which sees more than 20 artists from the Reading area come together to showcase their work on the theme. Pieces will be available to buy including fine art prints, greetings cards and mixed media pieces – and Leslee’s calendar.
Entry is free, with refreshments and seating available.
It takes place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 14, and noon to 5pm on Sunday. The church is in Erlegh Road.
■ For more details, or to order one of Leslee’s calendars, log on to: www.lesleebarron.com/news