Forbury memorial mural returns after council paints over original
A MURAL in Reading has been repainted after it was cleaned “in error” last year.
A memorial art piece dedicated to David Wails, Joe Ritchie-Bennett, and James Furlong, by anonymous artist Peachy has been returned to its former glory on Reading Bridge.
It follows the painting over of the work last year, which the council attributed to a “breakdown in communications.”
Now the mural, at the entrance of Christchurch Meadows and by the underpass leading to the car park, has been repainted, showing the Maiwand Lion flanked by three cherubs.
It now bears the names of the three men killed in the Forbury Gardens terror attack in 2020.
Peachy, who created the mural, said: “The artwork was supposed to have council backing but unfortunately, after months and months of back and forth, they could not find an adequate space where this specific artwork would have been suitable.
“The places were just not right, and in the end I could not see them getting a space where the surroundings and wall space would have been suitable.
“So after a lot of consideration it was my choice to place it back on to the bridge.”
He explained: “This will put the council in a predicament now as to what to do with it, but there you go – it’s on them now.
“It is where it should be and hopefully stays there, and if they decide to remove it again, more fool them.”
He added that community art is important for both its audience and the artists: “I believe as long as the artwork reaches and connects with the community in a way this one does it creates huge relevance for the artwork and the artist alike.
“The artwork has to connect with people.
“That’s why art is so important – just a few well placed artworks can say more and create more impact than a thousand words.”
A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council reiterated that the mural’s removal was an error:
“We fully appreciate the sensitivity and affection for this mural in the Reading community and the families and friends of James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails.
“The painting over of the original mural was a regrettable error, for which we apologised to the families of James, Joe and David.
“This restoration of the original artwork is not subject to the Council’s Street Art Policy as the piece was created prior to the policy’s introduction last year, so it will remain in situ.
“Street art created since the policy’s introduction is referred to the Street Art Panel, who evaluate pieces against a range of criteria set out in the policy.”