The Community Brain and Heritage

Since 2017 The Community Brain has been active in exploring and celebrating the heritage of the Kingston borough, with a particular focus on social history and people’s personal connections to the area.

We are particularly galvanised by stories that showcase how the suburbs have played – and continue to play – an integral role in stories with a national or international impact.

Take, for example, David Bowie’s decision to use a small Tolworth pub to launch his Ziggy Stardust persona in February 1972, or Mary Quant makeup being produced at the Gala Cosmetics factory on the Cox Lane industrial estate in Chessington.

We have looked at Formula One championship winning cars and the Mini Cooper coming from a garage in Surbiton; not to mention Surbiton also being once home to legendary penny farthing cyclist ‘Happy Jack’ John Keen and ‘Dig For Victory’ wartime allotment gardening pioneer Mr Middleton.

We have also partnered with local football club, Corinthian-Casuals, to help spread the legendary tales that connect this small non-league side with one of Brazil’s most well supported clubs.

In 2025, we will be focusing on the history and legacy of Kingston University’s School of Art and its fashion courses, as well as Kingston Market Place.

Many of these stories have found a home in the wide variety of publications we have released in partnership with Kingston University Press.

We are grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting many of these projects.