Christchurch Green's 120-year story goes on display

A window exhibition celebrating 120 years of Christchurch Green in Reading has found a new home in the heart of the community it celebrates – and it's open around the clock.

Celebrating Christchurch Green 1906-2026 is now on display in the window of the vacant RedServe shop unit at 56 Christchurch Road, right next to the No. 21 bus stop. As a window exhibition, it can be enjoyed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, meaning anyone passing by can stop for a look at any time.

Created by Friends of Christchurch Green, the exhibition brings together photographs, newspaper cuttings, local research and personal memories charting the history of Christchurch Green and its parade of shops over the last 120 years. Visitors can discover independent businesses that have come and gone, familiar local characters, changing streetscapes, and stories of everyday life in the neighbourhood from 1906 through to the present day.

Many of the photographs and memories on display were contributed by local residents and their families, creating a community archive that reflects not only the changing face of Christchurch Green, but also the strong sense of community that continues to define the area today. 

The exhibition was originally created in partnership with the University of Reading as part of the University's Centenary celebrations and the 26th year of the Whiteknights Studio Trail. Thanks to the support of shop owner Tony Chima and RG Spaces, it has now been given a much longer life in the neighbourhood whose story it tells.

Molli Cleaver, Community Engagement Manager at the University of Reading, said: "It's been a pleasure to support Friends of Christchurch Green in bringing this exhibition to life. It's a wonderful example of what can happen when community memory, local research and University partnership come together, and we're delighted it now has a permanent home where local people can enjoy it every day."

Jenny Halstead, from Friends of Christchurch Green, said: "We've been overwhelmed by how many people have shared their photographs and memories with us. This exhibition wouldn't exist without the generosity of local residents, and we're so grateful to Tony Chima and RG Spaces for giving it a long-term space on Christchurch Road. We hope it brings back happy memories for anyone who stops to look."

Anyone passing Christchurch Green is encouraged to stop for a few minutes, take a trip down memory lane, and see how many shops, people and places they recognise.

Friends of Christchurch Green are also keen to hear from anyone with further photographs, stories or recollections of the area to add to the archive.

To get in touch, contact Friends of Christchurch Green.