We are thrilled to have received these powerful words from Reading icon, Sir Kenneth Branagh
“Reading is an amazing place.
It deserves to preserve and transform its world renowned link with a unique piece of social, political and artistic history.
Reading Gaol can be a cultural hub that exponentially develops the remarkable stories of the people of Reading.
It will further cement a position on the world stage by looking to its own beautiful back yard, and its own rich community life.
In Oscar Wilde’s iconic poem, written within these very walls, he says “Each man kills the thing he loves”.
Despite the undoubted challenges, don’t let this wounded beast of a building be killed when it can be cured.
Instead let it’s restoration and transformation be the driver of increased economic, social, and cultural power at the very centre of this great City-town, and let its proud citizens understand that ’The Ballad of Reading Gaol’, can be a
sad song from the past, that is ready to sing proudly for generations to come.”
Ken Branagh
