Creative Flow: Kingston, Art and the River Inspired Events

Join us at Kingston Museum for the closing event in a series of talks inspired by our latest exhibition: Creative Flow: Kingston, Art and the River. Returning after popular demand, Dr. Glenda Youde looks 'Beyond Ophelia' in this new talk inspired by her own research.
John Everett Millais painted the background for his famous painting Ophelia (1851-2, Tate Gallery) on the banks of the Hogsmill River in Ewell. He added the figure of Ophelia, modelled by Elizabeth Eleanor Rossetti (better known as Lizzie Siddal), in his London Studio. While the painting may have been instrumental in launching Elizabeth’s career, it also trapped her within its golden frame, linking her forever with the pathetic figure of Shakespeare’s heroine.
In this talk Dr. Glenda Youde will discuss how the story of Ophelia’s model was constructed to fill a need for information. The few basic facts known about her have been repeated and embroidered with each retelling, confusing fact with fiction and presenting a different Elizabeth – a young, independent and ambitious female artist whose work was critical to the visual development of Pre-Raphaelite art. Focus will also be placed on how Elizabeth’s original ideas and figure poses were ‘borrowed’ by the male members of the Pre-Raphaelite circle, hiding the true extent of her artistic legacy in the more famous works of others.
Admission costs £8.00 (excluding a booking fee) and includes a ticket to Dr Glenda Youde's talk on 'Beyond Ophelia: The True Legacy of Elizabeth Eleanor Rossetti, exclusive 'after-hours' access to Kingston Museum's new Creative Flow: Kingston, Art and the River exhibition before it closes and a complimentary glass of white wine or soft drink. Space is limited, so places must be booked in advance. 

Join local artist and printmaker, Louise Anderson for a Plein Air: Sketch and Draw art workshop by the River Thames. Beginning at the Museum, you will embark on your own journey riverside where you will have the opportunity to sketch views of the river and its surrounding environment. Be inspired by our current exhibition - Creative Flow: Kingston, Art and the River - that showcases how the river has long been a source of artistic inspiration in Kingston, both locally and nationally and featuring your host, Louise Anderson, whose own work is currently on display in the exhibition.

What you will need:
Portable sized sketchbook, any drawing materials you wish to use graphite pencils or paints and any other materials. Additional art materials will be provided in the museum.
Dress practically including comfortable footwear, bearing in mind we will walk along to the banks of the Thames by John Lewis building - there is some shelter to draw and sketch. The paths may be uneven and there are stairs on the bridge.

This workshop is £6 per person

Further details of the location and route of this workshop will be available soon.

Be inspired by the treasures of the river as you create your own mudlarking treasure at Kingston Museum with Kat Thomas. Mudlarking is the act of searching and scouring the muddy banks and shores of rivers in search of objects and valuables. Embarking on your own miniature mudlarking hunt, discover objects and textures that can then be used in the creation of your mudlarking keepsake.

Participants will be able to leave with their own mudlarking-inspired clay creations, and put their creations to use: a hole can be poked in the clay to make a pendant, multiple holes to create a button, or a pin can be glued to the back to make a badge. These uses reflect many commonly found mudlarking objects, remind us of the varying uses and stories behind these objects, and give families something satisfying to take away with them!

The workshop takes place at Kingston Museum and will begin promptly at 14:00. Space is limited, so places must be booked in advance on Eventbrite. You are only required to book a space for the child attending the workshop, however children must be accompanied at all times by an adult for the duration of the workshop.

Book on Eventbrite, tickets £6 per person 

Brought to you by former Borough Archivist, Jill Lamb, Kingston and the Thames tells the story of the earliest settlements on the river banks to the present day; exploring the profound impact the river has had on Kingston's history and prosperity.
The talk will begin at 14:00 and will be followed by an informal Q&A / discussion period afterwards. This is a FREE event, however places must be booked in advance on Eventbrite as space is limited. The event will be hosted upstairs in the Creative Flow: Kingston, Art and the River exhibition space.

A bustling habitat of fish, frogs, newts and ducks, bring your own river animal to life in this family-friendly hand sewing workshop suitable for children of all abilities over the age of 7. Led by local milliner, Bee Smith, you will create and sew your own felt river animal as guided by templates and easy-to-follow instructions. All materials will be provided on the day.
The workshop takes place at Kingston Museum and will begin promptly at 14:00. Space is limited, so places must be booked in advance on Eventbrite. You are only required to book a space for the child attending the workshop, however children must be accompanied at all times by an adult for the duration of the workshop.

Accompany Jane Cradock-Watson as she discusses 'Looking for Ophelia' and takes the audience on a metaphorical journey along the Hogsmill River. As featured in Creative Flow, Jane will discuss the visercal journey of her two books with a focus on landscape, memory and what first drew her to one of Kingston's most beloved natural environments. Thought to have been the location of John Everett Millais' famous painting of 'Ophelia', join Jane as she explores the Hogsmill River through the Pre-Raphaelities and its relationship with the local landscape.
Space is limited, so places must be booked in advance on Eventbrite. Admission is £5.00 with the talk scheduled to begin promptly at 14:00. Following Looking for Ophelia, there will be an informal discussion / Q&A.

Led by Jon Cotton, One Thames or Two? The Early History of London River explores how the Thames has shaped the local landscape and the various ways in which early communities used it over time: as a provider of resources; as an artery of communication; as a physical and psychological boundary; and as a sacred stream.
The talk will begin at 14:00 with an informal Q&A/discussion taking place afterwards with Jon. Space is limited, so places must be booked in advance on Eventbrite. Tickets cost £5.00 with the event taking place upstairs in the Creative Flow: Kingston, Art and the River exhibition space.
A bout the Speaker
Jon Cotton is an 'actively retired' archaeologist, museum curator and freelance researcher with a long standing interest in London's early history and the archaeology of the Thames.

The Hogsmill stands as one of Kingston's most cherished natural habitats—an internationally rare chalk stream with only approximately 200 found worldwide . It serves as a crucial wildlife corridor, supporting a diverse ecosystem of fascinating creatures. Join Kingston's Biodiversity Officer, Elliot Newton, for an engaging talk that will unveil the wonders of this remarkable river, including the mysterious stories of European eels, vibrant kingfishers, and the recent return of water voles.
Admission is free, however space is limited so places must be booked in advance. The talk will begin at 18:00 and will feature a short film showing followed by an informal Q&A discussion.

Create your very own 'Tree of Dreams' in this art and wellbeing workshop with local artist Lyndsay Russell and Đào Tran-Boyd of Chan Tri Wellness. Beginning with a gentle meditation to start the workshop, be inspired by Creative Flow as Lyndsay and Đào guide you on a journey to create your own 'tree of dreams'.
With Christmas just around the corner, your 'tree of dreams' could be the perfect personalised and thoughtful gift for a loved one this Christmas. Suitable for all abilities, you will be led by the artist in a simple and peaceful mandala art workshop to produce a 'tree of dreams'. M andala dot art is peaceful, simple and often results in beautiful artwork. Starting with a gentle meditation and healing bowl sounds, this is a unique chance to tap into your visual potential in a warm, fun and friendly environment. Whether the finished image is for yourself or a loving gift for someone in your life, the experience will leave you feeling uplifted with a well deserved break from the seasonal rush.
S pace is limited, so places must be booked in advance on Eventbrite. 'Tree of Dreams: An Art and Wellbeing Workshop' takes place upstairs in Kingston Museum's Art Gallery and begins at 14:00 with an expected runtime of approximately two hours and fifteen minutes.

About the Artists
Lyndsay Russell is a local artist currently featured in Kingston Museum's Creative Flow: Kingston, Art and the River exhibition. H aving previously exhibited at The Saatchi Gallery (London) and the West Bund Artistic Centre (Shanghai), Creative Flow is the latest exhibition to showcase Lyndsay's creativity. With an MFA in Fine Art from Kingston University's School of Art, Lyndsay regularly uses Kingston upon Thames and the River as a source of inspiration for her artwork. For more information visit Russel's website or socials: Instagram Website

Đào Tran-Boyd is a yoga instructor, sound healing therapist and meditation teacher who aims to help people reconnect, rebalance and reboot. For more information visit Tran-Boyd's website or socials: Instagram Website