Pride of Reading Awards 2017: Illuminating a Town’s Pride
Awards become symbols of achievement, appreciation and community before taking pride of place in the homes and workplaces of those who receive them.
When commissioned to design the Pride of Reading Awards 2017, Stuart Melrose set out to create an illuminated trophy that celebrated both the achievements of its recipients and the identity of Reading itself.
The result was a contemporary sculpture centred on one of the town’s oldest and most recognisable symbols: the lion.
A Symbol of Reading
The lion has long been associated with Reading through the town’s historic coat of arms, making it a natural starting point for the design.
Rather than creating a traditional figurative sculpture, Stuart developed a contemporary interpretation, delicately engraving the lion within a crystal-clear acrylic panel. Light becomes the sculptural medium, allowing the lion to emerge only when illuminated.
Elegant, understated and instantly recognisable, the award reflects both the dignity of the occasion and the pride of the town it represents. The Pride of Reading Awards have recognised the extraordinary people, organisations and community groups strengthening Reading since 2004, making the commission a particular honour.
Designing the Invisible
The greatest challenge was making the lion appear to illuminate without revealing a source of power. Stuart wanted recipients to experience a small moment of surprise: no visible batteries, cables or switches to interrupt the clean, minimal form.
The solution combines precision edge-lit acrylic with a carefully concealed lighting system. Light enters through the polished edges of the clear acrylic, causing only the engraved lion to illuminate while the surrounding material remains almost invisible.
The batteries and electronics are hidden within the transparent base using a precise arrangement of mirrors, creating the illusion that the acrylic continues uninterrupted through it. The engineering disappears, leaving only the experience of light.
Celebrating Extraordinary People
Like many Stuart Melrose projects, the success of the design lies in what cannot be seen. Every functional component is concealed so that the recipient’s attention remains on the illuminated lion and the achievement it represents.
Presented during the Pride of Reading Awards 2017, the trophies became lasting reminders of the remarkable people whose commitment, generosity and determination strengthen the local community. Long after the ceremony, each award continues to represent both individual achievement and the community spirit that defines Reading.
