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| intro | | | themes | | | 1920s & today | | | acknowledgements | | | copyright | ||||||||||||||||
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The group was founded by a former scoutmaster, John Hargrave (1894–1982). His experiences in the First World War left him passionately opposed to most aspects of modern society. Hargrave’s mission was to re-charge the physical, mental and spiritual energies of individuals through a combination of woodcraft, ritual and discipline. Most members had regular jobs and only followed Kibbo Kift activities at weekends. Many were teachers. Camping, hiking and outdoor pursuits were central activities because of the benefits to physical and mental fitness. At certain times of the year large ceremonial gatherings were held, deep in the countryside. Most members practiced some creative activity: decorating objects, tents and costumes; or writing poems and plays. |
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Begun in 1924, the Kinlog was the movement's official history, or chronicle. Read more |
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Banners like this one were made for the Kibbo Kift rallies including a 'Peacemakers' Pilgrimage' held in Hyde Park in June 1926. Read more |
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These rattles would have been used during 'mumming' plays, a traditional form of drama which used mime as well as speech. Read more |
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Members were encouraged to keep log books, or diaries, to record their thoughts about the movement. Read more |
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The Kibbo Kift 'logo', designed by Hargrave, is a stylised representation of a tent against a background of fir trees. Read more |
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Kibbo Kift This wrist band was embroidered by 'Dione' (Mrs Reginald Dixon, a professional archer) to designs by John Hargrave. Read more |
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By the time this photograph was taken total membership had shrunk to under 100. Read more |
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Around 1930, Hargrave transformed the Kibbo Kift into the Social Credit Party of Great Britain. Read more |
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This totem was made by 'Angus Og', the Kin name of Angus McBean (1904 - 1990), a Kibbo Kift member before his rise to fame as a theatrical photographer in the 1930s. Read more |
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Elaborate ceremonies conducted by the 'Head Man' were at the heart of the Kibbo Kift movement. Read more |
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John Hargrave was an extraordinary and talented man. Read more |
