‘The Oxford Road Times’ is an art project led by Lisa-Marie Gibbs & Philip Newcombe, involving a diverse and eclectic range of voices from the local communities of the Oxford Road, Reading. The newspaper contains within it a series of fluid proposals and propositions that are not necessarily definitive or conclusive. There are no full-stops in this project. These are propositions that hold future possibilities. A living breathing thing.
This a free newspaper that highlighted such events and set out with a vision to highlight the creativity, imagination and spirit of the diverse and multi-cultural voices of the citizens and community at large, whilst exploring the notion of ‘Future Archaeologies’ the things we leave behind for others to follow. The stories and propositions are now held within our 28 page tabloid sized newspaper, an edition of 300.
This project was supported by Historic England, Reading Borough Council & Reading’s High Street Heritage Action Zone.
Instagram @ oxfordroadtimes
The Oxford Road Times Newspaper – selected pages
Excavated objects found along the Oxford Road
‘Mixtape’
Sounds from the Oxford Road. This page features a list of tracks from members of the Oxford Road. This is a future record for future generations.
‘Mango Rains’
Within this box of 7 mangos there are 7 stories from 7 people. Recorded on a phone these conversations reveal a humorous insight into the life and memories of the interviewees. The richness and diversity of The Oxford Road is laid bare in these relaxed recordings The mangos being the catalyst to delve deep into the many different voices and personal histories.
‘Proposal for the Stratosphere’
Measuring the height with red thread of the members of the Oxford Road community, we propose to construct a public sculpture that will reach up into the stratosphere. An ephemeral response to the construction of high rise flats appearing in the skyline in and around Reading, our skyscraper is an ongoing physical measurement of people from all walks of life, linked together by a common and literal thread. When we reach 33,000 feet it will be released into the ether.
‘SALT’ 11 x 750g of salt was poured along one side of the Oxford Road and back the other way to form a circle of protection.
Lisa-Marie Gibbs 