IF THERE’S one thing that has stood the test of time for football fans, it’s the highs and lows of following a club.
And while Reading’s 150th anniversary season looks like turning out to be one we’d like to forget, there have been plenty of highs across the past century and a half.
On Saturday, Reading Museum will kick off its latest exhibition designed to celebrate Royals, or the Biscuitmen, depending on how old you are.
Reading launched in 1871, and the 150th celebrations have been delayed, frustrated and curtailed by covid. But we’re finally ready to blow the whistle and get this special show underway.
COLLECTED: 150 Years of Reading Football Club is free to visit and takes place, appropriately, in the Sir John Madejski Art Gallery of the Blagrave Street venue.
It is a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of unique pictures, objects, and fans’ and players’ memorabilia, telling the story of the club collected from its earliest days, from a group of young townsmen playing on Kings Meadow to the more recent times, playing at the top level in England.
With expert interpretation provided by the Club’s community of historians, the exhibition is designed to appeal to fans both old and new, as Reading marks the 150th anniversary of its football club, making it one of the oldest surviving clubs in the Football League.
Objects from STAR (Supporters Trust at Reading) bring this history to life, including never-before-seen photographs from the Club’s history, loans from iconic players such as a shirt worn by all-time fan’s favourite Robin Friday, and a range of items from the personal collection of legendary former Reading FC chairman Sir John Madejski.
And the exhibition goes beyond the dugout and dressing room to show ways in which the club is an important part of the fabric of Reading, including its Community Trust.
Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, is delighted to see mMuseum work with the Supporters Trust to curate the exhibition.
She said it will shed a light on an incredible story within the life and times of the town and the huge part of our football club continues to play both on and off the pitch.
“The club means so much to so many – not just here in Reading, but across the world,” she said.
“This exhibition will form a focal point for the club’s fans to both share in and celebrate this amazing history.
“I know it will galvanise all of us as we look forward to the future for many more successes for the Royals. And what better year to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations alongside the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee?”
With half-term just around the corner, she said: “Come and catch this must-see exhibition, families can also enjoy fun football-themed trails and activities. Visit the museum’s website www.reagingmuseum.org.uk to find out more.”
Select Car Leasing and Business Moves Group have provided sponsorship for the exhibition, something that its managing director, Graham Conway, said he was pleased to do.
“Select is proud to have been associated with Reading FC for many years and to now put our name to the stadium that transformed the Club’s fortunes, thanks to the extraordinary vision and hard work of Sir John Madejski,” he explained.
“Reflecting on the Club’s 150 years of history and tradition, both on and off the pitch, we encourage everyone to visit the exhibition: to know your history and roar for the Royals.”
Sir John’s place within the pantheon of the club is assured. He has seen the club go through difficult times to reach the promised land of the Premier League, and infamously helped fans and the club celebrate the The Purple Turtle when promotion was assured.
And he also helped move the club from its Elm Park base to the swanky Madejski Stadium, the club’s current base.
As much part of Reading as the club itself – having started his career working at our predecessor, the Reading Post, and going on to launch AutoTrader magazine, Sir John has been a key player in the football club’s history.
He is thrilled to see the club’s heritage recognised with this exhibition.
“I am very proud of the part that I’ve played in Reading Football Club’s long and illustrious history,” he said.
“I recognise that the Club’s identity and character have been shaped by all the fans and all of those who have been involved throughout its history, from players to backroom and technical staff, and it is excellent to see these shared memories brought together in Reading Museum’s latest exhibition.
“I’m delighted to be associated with Reading Football Club’s 150th anniversary, and I feel very honoured to have been able to make a contribution to the club from 1990 to 2016.
“I am enormously proud of being instrumental in providing the Madejski Stadium, and I will always cherish the wonderful moments on the field of play that we have witnessed there.
“Most especially perhaps, I treasure my memories of being part of the Club when we first reached the Premier League, the top echelon.”
He added: “I look forward to many happy seasons ahead, roaring for the Royals to score at least one more goal than the opposition on the park, contributing to the cultural life of Reading off the pitch, and once again being back in the Premier League where we always belong.”
Roger Titford, STAR Heritage Officer, said that it had been an enjoyable experience curating the material for the exhibition.
“We hope visitors get a full picture of the Club’s history – we’ve had many grand days even before we joined the Football League in 1920.
“Material from fans forms the bedrock of the exhibition and the contribution of fans to the life of the club is acknowledged.”
Families are encouraged to bring the kids along this February half term, kicking off with the Big Football Hunt and Bertie the Badger’s Football Nickname Trail, with crafty activities to take home and colour in. For more details visit www.readingmuseum.org.uk/holiday-fun-reading-museum
