SMHAFF The Peckham Experiment

A radical vision for encouraging health rather than curing disease in the first half of the 20th century, The Peckham Experiment is explored through film and discussion.

THE CENTRE
J.B. Holmes | UK | 1947 | 21m

A POOL OF INFORMATION: THE SEARCH FOR POSITIVE HEALTH
Jini Rawlings | UK | 1993 | 35m

In the 1930s, two doctors sought to find out whether, given the right environment, families would naturally start to live full and flourishing lives. The Peckham Experiment led to the creation of the Pioneer Health Centre, a radical vision for encouraging health rather than curing disease.

The Centre tells the story of the Jones family, whose lives were enlarged through this innovative community. In A Pool of Information, former members and staff gather in the original building to share their memories of the Centre and describe the legacy of positive health it left in their lives.

Following the films is a discussion with Dr Jack Czauderna, Dr Margaret Hannah and Dr Lisa Curtice, trustees of the Pioneer Health Foundation, which keeps alive the Peckham Experiment’s legacy.