Building    From 1926  To 1950

Pioneer Health Centre

Founded by doctors George Scott Williamson and Innes Pearse as an integral part of the 'Peckham Experiment', the area being chosen because of its deprivation. Nine hundred and fifty local families were recruited, who paid one shilling (5p) a week for access to a range of physical activities. Members underwent a medical examination once a year, and were monitored as they participated in the centre’s events. The original centre closed in 1925 and re-opened in 1935 in a purpose-built establishment, the one in the photo. It closed through lack of funding in 1950 and in 2000 was converted to private flats, retaining the original indoor pool. The building is a Grade II* listed Modernist building, described by Walter Gropius as "an oasis of glass in a desert of brick". Its address: The Pioneer Centre, Frobisher Place, St Mary's Road, SE15.

Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Pioneer Health Centre

Commemorated ati

Pioneer Health Centre

Dr. Innes Pearse, 1889 - 1978 and Dr. George Scott Williamson, 1884 - 1953, f...

Read More

Other Subjects

Young Womens Christian Association

Young Womens Christian Association

From their website: YWCA was founded in 1855 by Miss Emma Robarts and The Hon Mrs Arthur Kinnaird. Miss Robarts started organising groups for young women who were coming to London for the first ti...

Group, Community / Clubs, Religion

1 memorial
South Place Ethical Society / Conway Hall Ethical Society

South Place Ethical Society / Conway Hall Ethical Society

Possibly the oldest surviving free thought organisation in the world, and the only remaining Ethical society in the UK. Originated as a religious group, allied to the Baptists. By 1793 they had the...

Group, Community / Clubs, Philosophy, Religion

1 memorial
Harrow Heritage Trust

Harrow Heritage Trust

A trust set up with the objectives of encouraging artists and architects of both landscape and buildings to create the heritage of the future, whilst protecting the heritage of the past.

Group, Community / Clubs

8 memorials