This September Kingston Society will be encouraging residents to shape where they live and
work as they explore the week-long What If? installation in central Kingston.
Organised as part of both the London Design Festival’s1 annual series of city-wide events and
Kingston 20252 celebrations, What If? invites those most affected by change to join the creative
conversation and feel empowered to influence their community.
Over a thought-provoking programme that includes a series of talks and walks, visitors will be
able to journey through Kingston’s past, reflect on present development challenges, and
discover their potential to influence the borough’s future.
WHAT IF? INSTALLATION
Inspired by the concept of an Urban Room, Kingston College Creative Industries Centre’s
Penny School Gallery will be transformed into five creative zones exploring place and
possibilities. In collaboration with local innovators, designers, artists and architects, these areas
will cover heritage, art and design, architects, designers and the future Urban Room.
During their visit, people will be invited to contribute ideas to an evolving physical map of
Kingston, engage with members of the Kingston Society in open sessions and leave behind
drawings, stories, or questions of their own to feed into the future Urban Room design.
Sharing the inspiration behind What If, Kingston Urban Room Project Lead Peter Karpinski said:
“For many residents, development decisions seem to happen behind closed doors, so it’s easy
to feel shut out of the process or unaware there’s even a way in. But it doesn’t have to be that
way. The built environment affects us all and good design is created with – not just for – people.
“Our ‘What If’ installation will show how, instead of treating public input as a planning formality,
an Urban Room would recognise residents as valued voices and put people and their priorities
at the heart of decisions that shape our borough’s future.” he added.
WHAT IF? EVENTS PROGRAMME
To highlight the link between good design and local pride, and encourage people to connect
with their surroundings, the free programme also includes themed walks and talks.
KINGS-TOWN TALK:
Discussion exploring the role of public art in urban spaces: Thurs 18 Sept (12.30-2pm)
− Lunchtime debate in the Kingston College Creative Industries Centre as key creative voices
– including local artists, council officers and Kingston organisations – debate the connection
between public art, heritage and communities.
− The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session, where the audience can contribute
their thoughts and questions around the social function of creative works in the public realm.
1 London Design Festival: londondesignfestival.com/activities/what-if-15ec7733-b1c1-4c75-8842-987e29656974
2 Kingston 2025: https://www.kingston.gov.uk/kingston2025
GUIDED WALKS:
Public Trail – Art in the Open: Tues 16 Sept (10.30am-12.30pm)
− With the town centre home to a wide range of outdoor art, this guided walk will reflect on
around 20 artworks, each portraying a different side of Kingston’s character and revealing
how past and present Kingston are connected.
− Starting from the Penny School Gallery, and finishing at the Stanley Picker Gallery, the tour
will cover the evolution of local art, from the newest additions to historic landmarks, including
some that have been lost along the way.
Historic Kingston – Footsteps Through Time: Thurs 18 Sept (2.30-5pm)
− 2025 marks the 1100th anniversary of King Athelstan’s coronation – a perfect moment to
reflect on legacy, identity and change on a walk where every stop has a story to tell.
− This journey through the town’s colourful past will start from the Coronation Stone at
Guildhall before taking in medieval bridges, coaching inns, and places once at the heart of
local justice, from former prisons and correction houses to militia barracks and stocks.
Coombe Conduit – The Palace Pipeline: Sat 20 Sept (10am-3pm)
− Follow the flow of history on this 3.5-mile walk tracing the ingenious Tudor route that
channelled fresh water from Coombe to Court for 350 years; a route whose influence
ensures it remains marked on Ordnance Survey maps today.
− The tour includes rare access to the hidden chambers of Coombe Conduit (where the walk
starts), an hour’s break for lunch (not provided) at All Saints Church, and free entry to
Hampton Court Palace Gardens (where it ends).
At a time of great change across the borough, Kingston Society hopes aligning its What If?
programme with one of the world’s leading design events will spark wider interest and highlight
how a permanent, visible space in Kingston would be a catalyst for greater local involvement.
Visit kingstonurbanroom.org.uk for more information on the What If? installation
Dates: 13 to 20 September 2025 (excluding 14 September)
Times: Saturdays 13 & 20 September: 10am – 4pm
Monday 15 – Thursday 18 September: 10am – 8pm
Friday 19 September: 10am – 5pm
Private viewing Monday 15 September 5pm – 7.30pm
Venue: Penny School Gallery, Kingston College Creative Industries Centre,
55 Richmond Road, Kingston, KT2 5BP