Art
Kate Winslet hopeful Banksy art can transform Reading Prison – BBC News
Kate Winslet said it was “incredible” Banksy had chosen Reading Prison for his latest piece as she joined calls to turn the old jail into an arts venue.
The Oscar-winning actress is supporting a theatre group hoping to stop the site being knocked down for housing.
Banksy confirmed he was behind the mural, with many believing it showed he backed moves for an art centre.
Winslet, who grew up in Reading, promised to perform on opening night if the plans became a reality.
Banksy’s painting of an escaping prisoner – possibly resembling famous inmate Oscar Wilde – appeared last week.
The Ministry of Justice, which owns the site and previously described the artwork as “graffiti”, said it was considering what to do with the piece.
Winslet told the BBC she believed the “incredible Banksy piece of wall art” should remain and become part of the “legacy” of a new diverse cultural and arts hub.
She said: “I just felt incredibly excited for Reading to have a Banksy.
“If Reading had a legacy space like that, to hand on to generation after generation, it could really be as valuable as some of those central London theatres.”
Reading Borough Council will submit a new bid next week to purchase the site and transform it into an arts complex.
The sale to a developer of the Grade II-listed prison, where Wilde was held between 1895 and 1897, fell through in November.
It was immortalised in Wilde’s poem Ballad of Reading Gaol during his stay, which reflected on the brutality of the Victorian penal system.
Titanic star Winslet described her own experiences growing up in the town and how she learned how to act at drama clubs held in scout halls, church halls and school gyms “because there was no real central space for creative communities to be built”.
However, the star of Hollywood films, including The Reader and Revolutionary Road, believes it is harder for young people today because of “unrealistic ideals” that come about through social media.
She added: “Yes, I come from a family of actors – but those actors were also dentists, Christmas tree sellers, tarmac layers, they were more often doing those jobs than they were acting because they found it hard making a living from acting.”
Winslet said she felt compelled to back the cause after being contacted by Toby Davies from the Reading-based Rabble Theatre, who has been leading the campaign.
“I really wanted to be able to lend my voice because it is very important to me. By joining forces in some way now hopefully… we might be able to do something wonderful,” she added.
Winslet also believes professional theatre companies “would hire Reading Gaol as a creative space to bring their productions”.
“Shows will often start at those out-of-town venues and then maybe transfer into London,” she explained.
“How exciting for something like that to begin in Reading, something that increases local employment and encourages people to join… it’s a really fantastic opportunity.”
The actress also pledged: “I’ll be there performing on the first night, I sign up to that now.”
Mr Davies, who said he was thrilled by Winslet’s support, added: “It’s an opportunity to represent Wilde and correct everything that was done to him and the opportunity to totally transform a significant part of England culturally to really make a massive difference.”
Other well-known actors have also thrown their weight behind the campaign, including Dame Judi Dench, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Natalie Dormer and Stephen Fry, who portrayed Irish playwright Wilde in the 1997 film Wilde.
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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