Welcome to Kington upon Thames

Eadweard Muybridge

Kingston is the birthplace of Eadweard Muybridge, one of the world’s most innovative and influential photographic pioneers. Muybridge’s work is so celebrated because his extensive studies of humans and animals in motion played a critical role in the history of photography and the moving image.

Muybridge left his personal collection to Kingston Museum and Archive where it continues to inspire visitors today. The exciting collection is a must see for anyone with an interest in photography and film as the exhibition includes Muybridge’s original Zoöpraxiscope projection machine and unique glass discs, personalised lantern slides, original 19th century prints, Muybridge’s own scrapbook and many other items that make this collection of major international significance.

Image by permission of Kingston Museum & Heritage Service.

To view Eadweard Muybridge’s work, visit www.eadweardmuybridge.co.uk

Cesar Picton

Originally from Senegal, Cesar came over to England in 1761 aged 6 when he was presented as a gift for Sir John Philips of Kingston by an army officer serving in Senegambia. Sir John took Cesar into his home as a servant and he soon became a popular member of the household. Following the death of Sir John’s wife Lady Elizabeth Philips, Cesar was given £100 from her will. Cesar had an eye for business and with this money he set himself up as a successful coal merchant.

Cesar prospered and with an additional £100 left to him in Sir John’s daughter’s will, he was able to buy a property in Kingston known as Picton House. Picton House is on Kingston High Street and is a smart Grade II* listed building where Cesar lived for 20 years, before moving to Tolworth. There is a plaque issued by Kingston Council on the building today which highlights Cesar’s successful career. He died in 1836 at the age of 81 and is buried within All Saints Church.

To learn more about Cesar Picton, visit www.kingston.gov.uk/cesar_picton_s_story_pdf-2.pdf

Nipper the Dog

Nipper the Dog found fame from his starring role in the HMV logo. Nipper was originally born in Bristol and lived with his original owner Mark Henry Barraud for three years. He was called Nipper as he had a tendency to nip his owner’s ankles. Following Mark’s death in 1887, Mark’s brothers Philip and Francis took ownership of Nipper, and the family moved to Liverpool. In Liverpool, Nipper was exposed to a phonograph and it was noted the puzzled look Nipper would give when “His Master’s Voice” was played from the machine. Three years after Nipper’s death, Francis Barraud painted a picture of a dog listening to a phonograph, which then inspired the HMV logo.

Nipper died in 1895 and was buried in Clarence Street in Kingston, where Lloyds TSB is today. There is a plaque inside the bank commemorating Nipper, and a nearby street has been named Nipper Alley in his honour.

To learn more about Nipper the dog, visit www.nipperhead.com/old/nipper.htm