The original caption may contain language which is historic and which may no longer be considered appropriate. It has been retained in the record in the interest of historical accuracy.
The caption on the reverse of the photograph reads: “Peckham mothers can keep that schoolgirl figure. The cares of house-keeping and raising a family can play havoc with a mother’s looks and bodily shapeliness. Tied to the home by their children, there is not much opportunity to enjoy the physical and mental tonic afforded by sporting recreation. However, Peckham mothers are fortunate, inasmuch as The Centre at Peckham, London, S.E. – the much-discussed social experiment – provides them with the opportunity of leaving their children in capable hands at the Centre’s nursery, while they can indulge in “keep fit” exercises, swimming, fencing, badminton, or any other of the various diversions afforded by the Centre. To join a family the cost is a mere shilling per week and it entitles every member of the family to the many facilities afforded. Photo shows:- Following […] “keep fit” class, mothers enjoy a swimming lesson […] tutorship in the up-to-date swimming […].”
The Pioneer Health Centre, Peckham, was opened in 1926. The founders aimed to discover factors contributing to positive health, rather than simply an absence of illness, and attempted to maintain the health of the local population. Due to its popularity with Peckham’s community, the Centre moved to a purpose-built building in 1935. The new building “represented a revolutionary idea and design”; built with the principle that movement and visibility must not be impeded it featured few doors and was made largely of glass. A swimming pool was at its centre and the Centre also provided a gym and dance hall. The Centre created a large amount of national and international interest. Members underwent a medical examination once a year, and were monitored throughout the year as they participated in events at the Centre. With the establishment of the NHS in 1948, the Centre struggled to be accepted by policy-makers despite the positive support it had achieved. The Centre closed in 1950 but its ideals inspired further projects in the field of social biology. See also MED01/01/0040-0042. High-resolution copies of this image are available for free for non-commercial use. Please Enquire to place an order.
This is part of the Series: MED01/01 Series of prints; within the Collection: MED01 Topical Press Agency Medical Collection
Source: Historic England Archive
Photographer: Topical Press Agency Limited
Photographer: Harrison, Norman Kingsley
Community Centre, Swimming Pool, Health And Welfare, Leisure And Recreation, Women's History
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