But Is It Art

Independent retailer in Reading town centre

‘But is it Art?’ has a long history in Reading. It is one of the most recognisable independent shops in the town centre and has been trading for over 30 years.

Though never officially verified, it is said that during the Thatcher era ‘But is it Art?’ was responsible for 37% of Reading’s laughter, an astonishing statistic I think you’ll agree. Other accolades the shop has received include being voted the most ‘LOL’ shop by local teenagers in 2009 and being featured in The Guardian’s independent shopping guide in 2007 (this fact is actually true).

Renowned for our cards, we pride ourselves on stocking the most unique, diverse, original and downright offensive cards we can find. After all, nothing says Happy Birthday like a good swear word or an image of a dog playing a keyboard with a framed picture of Phil Collins atop it.

‘But is it Art?’ also specialises in unusual and wonderful gifts so if you’re looking for something practical, or impractical for that matter, a gift that is both sublime and ridiculous, we might have just what you need. Unique home ware, humorous t-shirts, magnets, money pots, office accessories, headphones and a multifarious selection of mugs your nans kitchen cupboard would be proud of are just some of our many delights.

And if its pictures and canvases you’re after, our busy walls are loaded with striking, colourful and contemporary images of famous icons, comic book characters, cult films, graffiti and street art and panoramic cityscapes. Coupled with our attractive and affordable frames they make great gifts or additions to your new home.

Lazy Design. . .

An extroverted offshoot of the ‘But is it Art?’ family, brimming with more ideas than Alan Partridge at a business lunch, Lazy Design is the shops creative division. It is responsible for the entire, exclusive, not available anywhere else in the world, Reading merchandise. This includes greetings cards, postcards, coasters, mugs, magnets, t-shirts and tote bags.

Lazy Design, ironically, never sleeps and is forever looking for new ideas to add to its ever expanding range of original and witty cards, all of which are available in store.