Reading FC 150 Years Celebrated With New Exhibition
READING Museum is thrilled to announce details of its latest exhibition, ‘COLLECTED: 150 Years of Reading FC.’
Through a unique gathering of images, ephemera and mementoes, the exhibition tells the incredible story of Reading Football Club’s historic journey, from a group of young townsmen playing on Kings Meadow to the heights of the national game.
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.
The exhibition reflects the important ways the club contributes to the life of our town, with an account of the vital work its Community Trust does in Reading today. It also includes results of recent picture research into the early history of the women’s game in Reading, as well as pinpointing some of the key historical moments of the emergence of people of colour in the professional game.
In producing the exhibition, Reading Museum has worked closely with STAR and is hugely grateful to them, along with Select Car Leasing and Business Moves Group for their generous sponsorship, which has made this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the Club’s history possible.
Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, said:
“I’m delighted to see Reading Museum working with the Supporters Trust at Reading and our community to co-create this exhibition, shedding a light on the incredible story in the life and times of our 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. 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!
“Come and catch this must-see exhibition and over half term, families can also enjoy fun football-themed trails and activities. Visit the museum’s website www.reagingmuseum.org.uk to find out more.”
Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Car Leasing, sponsors of the exhibition, said:
“We are very pleased to support our local museum’s work in presenting the fascinating history of our town. 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. 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.”
Former Reading FC chairman Sir John Madejski, said:
“I am very proud of the part that I’ve played in Reading Football Club’s long and illustrious history. 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.
“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:
“It’s been enormous fun putting the exhibition together and finding material even I haven’t ever seen. 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.”
Further Details
‘COLLECTED: 150 Years of Reading FC’ is free to view and runs from Saturday 19 February to 6 August 2022 in the Sir John Madejski Gallery, Reading Museum www.readingmuseum.org.uk
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
