'To induce humanitarian sentiments in prurient Londoners': the Propaganda Activities of London's Voluntary Housing Associations in the Inter-war Period

Abstract

During the inter-war period, voluntary housing associations built relatively few houses compared to the state. However, their efforts were directed less towards construction and more towards influencing debates and policies through research, education and propaganda. Through detailed case studies of the St Pancras Housing Improvement Society and the Kensington Housing Association, this paper argues that during the 1920s activists sought to influence debate and local housing policy in London. During the 1930s, when central government became more directly involved in housing provision, voluntary groups sought to promote the sector as a potential agent of state housing policy. In particular, voluntary associations promoted exhibitions as a way of drawing attention to the problems of poor housing and the need for new solutions. Through publicity seeking stunts and displays, notably associated with the New Homes for Old exhibitions, these associations continued to play a significant role in housing policy during the period.