history

The Rising Sun - a potted history

In November 1990 a group of artists first squatted this building in Silver St. with the intention of creating an alternative, non mainstream art space in Reading. Since then the Rising Sun has been through innumerable changes and a number of crisis points where the future looked bleak to say the least. Now we are reasonably secure but only through the hard work of many, many people who work to keep the Centre going.

The Rising Sun's building was constructed in the nineteenth century as a Temperance House among the then massed ranks of pubs and other houses of ill repute in Silver Street . It was built to the design of the architect Alfred Waterhouse - who was also responsible for the far grander Natural History Museum in London. Architecture fans may notice his bold use of terracotta and patterned brick work feature in the design of both buildings. The main building is now listed as Grade 2 by English Heritage.

We have tried to stay true to the original aims of the Rising Sun 'Institute' and keep the intentions of it's founders alive. Although we do indeed serve alcohol - including a splendid range of organic beers! - the Rising Sun still aims to improve the quality of life for everyone. The Centre is open to anyone to get involved in the arts and we are working to expand towards greater participation and inclusivity wherever we can. We remain independent, run by local people, putting on ground level events which are not catered for elsewhere in the town.

site by ps-design