A striking feature of Kingston's history is its lack of culture.

Indeed, down the centuries it seems to have taken perverse pride in giving the arts short shrift.

So how come it now has one of the finest centres of art in the world, internationally renowned for excellence, innovation and educational influence?

There's a two-word answer to that: Reginald Brill.

He died in 1974, and the chances are you've never heard of him. But to those involved with Kingston University's Faculty of Art, the power of his personality and ideals is as potent today as in his lifetime.

Now work is under way for a major exhibition and book to celebrate this remarkable man, and the part he played in putting the Royal borough on the international art map.

The book - the first-ever Brill biography - will be by Judith Bumpus, a noted writer on mid-20th century art.

The exhibition is being prepared by Leo Duff, senior lecturer in Kingston University's Faculty of Design, who has been combing Britain since January for fresh material on Brill, and more of his many hundreds of pictures to add to those already secured for the exhibition to be held in Kingston in May 1999 as the most comprehensive display yet of Brill's work.

His paintings and drawings will be on show at the Picker and Knights Park Galleries respectively. A

t the same time here will be a Brill-inspired exhibition at Kingston Museum's Art Gallery.

Meanwhile, Leo is eager for any personal information on Brill.

If you have any memories, anecdotes, pictures or OTHER details of his life and work, or know anyone who does, contact her on 0181 547 2000 ex. 4092.

Reginald Brill was born in London in 1902. He had a miserable childhood, and claimed to have supported himself from the age of 13.

By day he earned his living in various City offices. At night he attended classes at St Martin's School of Art, where despite his poor education, he won a scholarship to the Slade School of Fine Art.

This brilliant achievement was marred when he was expelled from the Slade for declaring nothing would ever induce him to become a teacher.

So it was ironic indeed that he later made a towering reputation, and spent most of his working life, as head of Kingston School of Art.

He took up the headship in January 1934, when the school occupied the upper floor of the old Technical Institute in Kingston Hall Road. He found it shockingly lax and, to use his own word, "Bohemian".

First he instilled much-needed order, discipline and enthusiasm. Then he set about getting a new building, which opened on the banks of the Hogsmill at Knights Park on 1939.

"Only someone of his exceptional power could have managed not only to get new premises, but to have them built to his own specifications," says Leo Duff.

The school stayed opened throughout the war, and by 1945 had a long waiting list. Under Brill's inspired direction, it established a national reputation for excellence, plus a sizeable extension.

This was opened in 1961 by Sir Charles Wheeler, president of the Royal Academy, who said of Brill: "You can pay a man a salary and get his service; but you cannot pay a man in pounds for his devotion which he has given this school."

Brill retired from Kingston in 1962. He then became warden of Surrey County Council's hostel for art students in Lavenham, Suffolk. He died in Lavenham in 1974 leaving a widow, Rosalie, but no children.

He also left a large collection of pictures, one of which was sold at Sotheby's this month for £34,000.

"He was held in the highest esteem, and definitely put Kingston on the road to becoming an internationally renowned art centre," said Leo.

"He was very much a British School painter - a diligent draughtsman, meticulous about getting things right. He also had a brilliant narrative quality. When you look at his work, you can see a story in it."

She added that any proceeds from the exhibition and book will to go to setting up a project to help students with drawing techniques.

Brill, who believed in close links between town and gown, initiated many projects in Kingston.

One of his notable achievements was persuading Kingston Council to set aside cash each year to commission paintings of local landmarks.

From 1955, backed by Kingston Rotary Club, the council commissioned pictures of more than 70 scenes before they vanished.

The result is the unique and endlessly engrossing visual feast known as the Brill Collection.

Alas, the scheme stopped after 1971. This was a great pity.

For the 70s, 80s and early 90s saw most of Kingston town centre alter beyond recognition, with no Brill paintings to record the changes.

But last year the Friends of Kingston Museum Heritage Service re-launched the scheme. Their first commission was a painting by Leo Duff of Kingston Bus Station, which is due to be developed.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.