Enjoy Woodcraft Folk’s story as it unfolds through objects, sounds, images and stories. The story begins in 1925 with a group of young activists with big ideas and goes on to become a youth-led education movement based on co-operation, peace and international friendship. Exhibition is at Four Corners Gallery opening with our launch 8th January at 6pm – expect songs, stories and snacks! Please contact marcus.belben@woodcraft.org.uk if you intend to come to the launch event. The exhibition is open from 11am to 6pm Wednesday to Saturday at Four Corners Gallery until 31st January.
Kindred of Woodcraft
Founded by Leslie Paul, Woodcraft Folk originated from the Kindred of the Kibbo Kift, an organisation led by ex-Scout Commissioner John Hargrave, who aimed to move away from what he saw as the militaristic approach of the Scouts. Three years before Woodcraft Folk formally started (1922) ‘our Kindred Woodcraft Folk’ was already recognised by Kibbo Kift Kindred. In its early days, it had a strong pagan and anti-capitalist emphasis, but gradually Woodcraft Folk developed its own distinct ethos. The organization has been closely tied to the co-operative, labour, pacifist, feminist, socialist and trade union movements.
The Brockley Thing grew
The first Woodcraft group, Brockley Thing, soon expanded to become Lewisham & Greenwich District, and within ten years Woodcraft Folk had already grown to become a large youth organisation across the UK, and one of the founding organisations of the International Falcon Movement initially across Europe, and now the IFM-SEI, ‘Spanning the World with Friendship’.
Archives in London
Woodcraft Folk Archives are at present held at UCL Institute of Education, London, which we have been visiting as part of our ‘100 Objects for 100 Years’ project, finding connection with our present and future. We’ve been running workshops in Cudham, across the country and hosted in the Trailblazer Tent at our Camp 100.
Photo Isobel Cleveland 2025
Photo Isobel Cleveland 2025
Can’t make it to London?
The celebration doesn’t stop here. After its run at Four Corners, this collection of 100 objects will be packing its bags and heading on tour. Keep an eye out for us in Birmingham and Glasgow later this year!
Whether you’re a long-time member, a history buff, or someone passionate about youth activism, come and discover the story of a movement that has been “spanning the world with friendship” for 100 years.
