English: W. KINGSTON, English Dispensary. That was the official name of this chemist and perfumery in Valletta, Malta. In reality it was more then that. At the time of this picture, just before the turn of the 20th century, It was normal usage for establishments to act as a "bank", meaning to keep and collect dues, lend monies etc at favourable rates. W. Kingston was one of these. Another establishment which I do not recall the name at this time and who dealt the same extra trade, was a tailoring shop opposite St Francis church. Other establishments obviously doing this trade were shops selling and dealing in gold and Jewellery. Kingston had a very good business with Richard Ellis, providing him with all the chemicals necessary for the processing of photography and also for part of his financial requirements. Kingston's primary position in Strada Reale, at the corner with Strada Teatro, was definitely very prestigious and prominent. What's more, overlying his Establishment and shop sign stood another equally prominent sign, that of the Grand Hotel. This was another widely known landmark and both were opposite the famous statue of Queen Victoria. On the Strada Teatro was his side doorway which had the sign informing all that his was an establishment purveyor to his Majesty's needs. All could not be better. Somewhere along the line, and not far off from the time of this picture, something went wrong. One morning, Kingston failed to open his establishment and could not be found anywhere, neither were his client's funds found..... A few years later, banking laws internationally were refreshed and given a much needed overhaul. Such that events like this were not supposed to happen again, and banks were banks and dispensaries were for dispensing.

The collection of characters, on view is fascinating. we have gentlemen in immaculate suits and hats including bowler hats, and lowly folk wearing Fedoras,cowboy, Stensons and caps. With the exception of the very scruffy lad (first on the right) wearing tattered trousers and carrying a sack over his shoulder, everyone else seems to be wearing footwear. The only woman in the picture is wearing an ghonella and is standing with her back to the wall of the dispensary - Strada Reale side. There is a boy standing in front of her.

Description courtesy of Joseph Piccinino, Malta Vintage History