Boys Perform Gymnastics at Mettray, France

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Boys Perform Gymnastics at Mettray, France

Gymnastic exercises being performed by inmates of the agricultural colony for delinquent boys at Mettray, near Tours, France. In the 1840s, the colony pioneered the cottage homes system where boys lived in small family groups. This model was later widely adopted in England for many workhouse children

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Media ID 4470393

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1840s Colony Cottage Exercise Exercises Groups Gymnastic Homes Inmate Inmates Mettray Penal Poverty System Tours Workhouse Workhouses Delinquent

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> Europe > France > Tours

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment of respite and rehabilitation at the Mettray Colony for Delinquent Boys in France, circa 1840s. Located near Tours, the Mettray Colony was a pioneering institution in the European penal system, renowned for its innovative cottage homes model. Abandoning the traditional workhouse system, this approach saw boys living in small family groups, fostering a sense of community and nurturing individual development. The image showcases a group of young boys engaged in gymnastic exercises, their focused expressions reflecting the discipline and dedication required for their practice. The setting, with its open fields and well-kept facilities, underscores the emphasis on physical and mental wellbeing. The Mettray Colony's holistic approach to rehabilitation, which combined education, work, and recreation, was groundbreaking for its time and influenced the development of similar institutions in England and beyond. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the historical significance of the Mettray Colony, which aimed to provide a safe and supportive environment for boys facing poverty, housing instability, and delinquency. Its pioneering model, which prioritized the welfare of its inhabitants, continues to inspire contemporary approaches to childcare and rehabilitation.

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