The Challenge of Change in Physical Education: Chelsea College of Physical Education--Chelsea School, University of Brighton 1898-1998

The Challenge of Change in Physical Education: Chelsea College of Physical Education-Chelsea School, University of Brighton 1898-1998

IDA M. WEBB, 1999 London, Falmer Press L19.95 paperback

This book portrays the establishment and growth of Chelsea College of Physical Education, now the Chelsea School, University of Brighton, over a 100-year time span. It does this through a consideration of the lives and careers of the former Heads of the School, which is both a strength and weakness of the work. On the one hand, we gain fascinating insights into the life histories of such as Dorette Wilke, the Prussian exponent of Swedish gymnastics, whose transformation from penniless, delicate teenager to Head Mistress of Chelsea College was nothing short of miraculous. And although May Fountain, Wilke's successor, is represented as a less dramatic figure, we learn that she steered the College through the war years and showed courage, initiative and ingenuity in her stewardship. On the other hand, I would have liked to have heard more about the struggles, prejudices and preconceptions which both these women overcame in enabling Chelsea...