Check out our AMP Timeline of key moments that mark Kingston’s cultural history.
The Fighting Cocks pub opens on Old London Road
First art classes held around local schools by artists Thomas and John Fridy, the earliest origins of Kingston School of Art
Kingston’s Schools of Science and Art and Technical Institute is founded (becoming Kingston School of Art in in 1939)
Kingston Museum is built
Betty Joel’s furniture factory opens on Hook Rise (later site of Gala Cosmetics / Mary Quant makeup)
Design and Fashion courses are added to the School of Art curriculum
Dorich House is designed and built by Dora Gordine
The Fighting Cocks hosts a range of American jazz acts on tour.
Miners makeup moves into the former Betty Joel factory on Hook Rise in Chessington (later Gala Cosmetics).
Bell Musical Instruments founded on Ewell Road in Surbiton. The store would go on to sell early instruments to Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and members of the Rolling Stones.
Arthur Chisnall opens the Eel Pie Island Jazz Club, responding to needs and tastes of the newly emerging ‘teenage class’ from the Kingston Art Schools.
Eric Clapton attends Hollyfield School, Surbiton, along with other future Yardbirds Chris Dreja and Top Topham; all played concerts in the school hall.
Stanley Picker’s Gala Cosmetics buy out Miners makeup and acquire the Chessington factory.
Kingston Fashion students win the 6th International Youth Fashion Design Contest in St Gall, Switzerland, demonstrating the growing reputation of the Art School under Head Daphne Brooker (a feat repeated in 1966 and 1970).
Mary Quant meets Stanley Picker and together they launch the globally iconic Mary Quant brand of cosmetics from the Gala factory in Chessington.
The Toby Jug Blues Club opens in Tolworth, going on to host performances from Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Status Quo, Thin Lizzy and many other legendary names.
The Eel Pie Island Hotel briefly re-opens as Colonel Barefoot’s Rock Garden, hosting the heavier sounds of Black Sabbath and Hawkwind, before eventually having to close.
Kingston College of Art and Kingston College of Technology reunite to become Kingston Polytechnic.
David Bowie unveils his ‘Ziggy Stardust’ persona for the very first time, at the Toby Jug.
The ABC Cinema closes, having hosted a number of high profile concerts, including Cliff Richard and the Everly Brothers.
Stanley Picker founds the Stanley Picker Trust to support the education and careers of young arts practitioners.
The first Kingston Green Fair is held in Canbury Gardens.
The Granada Cinema – having played host to Roy Orbison, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks – closes after nearly 50 years.
‘Dodgy Nights’ are launched at Bacchus, launching the career of the band Dodgy who would go on to have chart success with Staying out for the Summer and Good Enough.
Following the death of Dora Gordine, Dorich House is acquired by Kingston University and opens to the public as a museum.
Kingston Polytechnic becomes Kingston University.
The Stanley Picker Gallery opens in partnership with Kingston University, with support from the Stanley Picker Trust.
Jamie O’Grady acquires the Fighting Cocks and Richard Fletcher takes over the Grey Horse; both influential in reviving their respective venues’ reputations for live music.
The Toby Jug in Tolworth – host to David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac and many others – closes and is later demolished.
Banquet Records forms out of the Beggars Banquet chain of shops. Acts they have since attracted to Kingston for live dates include Mystery Jets, Franz Ferdinand, Foals, and Blink 182.
Adam and Liz Lewis take over the Lamb pub in Surbiton, launching the Seething Festival from the pub, with musicians playing at both.
Creative Youth is founded.
The Rose Theatre opens.
The first International Youth Arts Festival launches with live music a core component.
With music now a core part of its offering, the Lamb pub launches Lambstock, Surbiton’s first dedicated music festival.
One of Kingston’s largest venues and nightclubs, the Hippodrome, is permanently closed.
Creative Youth launch FUSEBOX, a multi-arts space for young performers on the Kingston riverside.
Fusebox hosts the AMP Exhibition as part of the AMP Heritage Trail.
