Publications

Since the 1930s, when George Scott Williamson and Innes Pearse first started writing about their work, people have been writing about the unique research carried out at the Pioneer Health Centre.

As such, the list of publications relating to the Pioneer Health Centre is long. We have not yet catalogued all relevant publications on this website but will be doing so over the coming months.

In the meantime, a small selection of some of the most relevant and more recent publications can be found by clicking on the drop-down menu above.

Latest News

An essay by former Mary Langman prizewinner and PHF trustee, Emily Charkin, about the free school at the Pioneer Health Centre has just been published by the Soil Association in 'Mother Earth' available online at: www.soilassociation.org

About us

The Pioneer Health Centre closed in 1950 but the Pioneer Health Foundation continues to promote the legacy and the ideas of the Centre.

Despite the many changes to society and medicine since the Pioneer Health Centre first opened its doors, we believe that the principles identified by the Doctors as contributing to health are of continuing relevance to society.

History

The Peckham Experiment was a unique study into the nature of health, led by Dr. George Scott Williamson and Dr. Innes Pearse. The Doctors decided to observe families in a community setting, to monitor the factors that contributed to human health. In the purpose-built Pioneer Health Centre, they conducted annual medical checks and watched families interacting in social activities.

Recognising the importance of sound nutrition, the Doctors also rented a farm to provide the Centre’s kitchen with fresh organic food. The research began in Peckham, south London, in 1926 and ended with the Centre’s closure in 1950.

The findings originating from the research conducted at the Pioneer Health Centre, commonly refered to as ‘the Peckham Experiment’, have influenced authorities across the world including the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Please click on the links in the menu above to learn about the history of the Peckham Experiment.

Relevance today

The Pioneer Health Foundation believes there is continuing interest and importance in the work of Drs Scott Williamson and Pearse and the pioneering Peckham Experiment.

Though the Doctors did not leave a blueprint for their study (this would have been dictatorial), their writing and findings share useful lessons that remain relevant today.

Please click on the links in the menu above to learn more about the relevance of the Peckham Experiment today.

Resources

The Pioneer Health Foundation maintains a range of resources relating to the Pioneer Health Centre, from films and photographs through to published books and articles.

Please click on the links in the menu above to learn more about the resources available. If you can't find what you want, please do contact us.