Kingston First

In 2019 we started to work with the business improvement district Kingston First to transform vacant shop fronts in the town centre into colourful canvases. Students pitched their artworks on the theme of “Kingston: Past Present and Future.”

“Kingston Canvas” showcased work from the talented students of Kingston School of Art in the town where the art school is based, at a time when we were all in lockdown.

Clarence Street featured artworks from three students: Natalie Baresova’s design captured her daily walk through Fairfield Park. Josephine Miller’s “Surreal Swans” played on one of the themes of Kingston’s renowned inhabitants and Zsofia Mayer’s piece showcased the Kingston’s architecture past, present and future.

On Eden Street, two artists’ work were displayed: “Kingston Calling” by Ellice Thatcher playing on the David Mach sculpture and bringing it to life. Catarina Moura’s design showed the Kingston Bridge and river scenes, imagining a Kingston of the future with new modes of transport.

In the Market Square, Izzi Toovey’s piece “All About Kingston” filled the vacant Clas Ohlson store with colourful figures going about their business including keyworkers and families. Imogen Ashby’s piece was the final one to go up on

The launch of the project was delayed due to lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions but is a great example of working remotely. Since the project Kingston First has improved the occupancy of vacant units and most shops have been reoccupied.

You can read more about the project on Kingston First’s website and on the Kingston University website.

Photo credits Alex Beer

Following on from the Kingston Canvas project, Kingston First called on us again for a film brief to help celebrate the town coming out of lockdown and businesses reopening in April 2021.

Three BA Illustration and Animation students worked remotely: Benedetti Bovone, Gabriel Liu and Leia Romhi created a custom animation showing all the delights of Kingston focusing on senses and the viscerality of the markets, areas and hustle and bustle of the town.

Since then we have collaborated on photography projects, film commissions, the Kingston Sculpture Trail, Thumbs Up Thursdays and the Light up Kingston trail.

A match made in Kingston!