08/03/2021
Street artist Banksy has confirmed he's behind the artwork that appeared on the wall of Reading Prison last week. The picture shows a prisoner - possibly resembling famous inmate Oscar Wilde - escaping on a rope made of bedsheets tied to a typewriter.
Banksy has firmly put Reading on the map and has undoubtedly contributed towards the fight for turning the derelict prison into an arts hub instead of housing. We just can't help wonder how Berkeley Homes Ltd, developers of 700 flats going up opposite, feel about it.
News of the mural has been reported on Berkeley’s website. It'll be interesting to see whether the flats facing the mural suddenly become more sought after. It would certainly be a talking point!
The street art appeared on the side of Reading Prison, which is under threat of development.