The Legacy of Margaret Lowenfeld

The Legacy of Margaret Lowenfeld 1890-1973

Biopic of Margaret Lowenfeld and her legacy of therapeutic tools and theories on play therapy. Emphasises how Lowenfeld was one of the first medics to note the connection between the mental and physical. Covers her early life, influences, training and activities; how she came to be involved in the field of child psychotherapy. Describes how Lowenfeld viewed play as a child's relationship to the whole of life. Focuses on her 'Worlds' technique, Proto language of children and the Lowenfeld Mosaic Test (used as a diagnostic tool and measure throughout therapy).

The video uses photographs, interviews, text of quotes from Lowenfeld publications, footage of children using Lowenfeld play techniques and interacting with a therapist, and has a continuous narrative. Many of the interviewees had direct experience of Margaret Lowenfeld's teaching at the Institute of Child Psychology.

Interviewees are:
H. Beric Wright MD, nephew of Margaret Lowenfeld
Cathy Urwin, Research Fellow, Cambridge University, PhD
John Hood-Williams, therapist and author who trained at the ICP under Lowenfeld
Professor John Davis, Chair of Paediatrics, Cambridge University
Madeleine Davis, biographer of Donald Winnicott
Therese Woodcock, therapist who trained at the ICP under Lowenfeld
Dr Theo Abel, a contemporary of Margaret Lowenfeld, PhD
Rhoda Metraux, anthropologist who worked with Lowenfeld and Margaret Mead
Christine Heath, therapist who trained at the ICP

The end credits state the film was 'Produced in the USA for an American audience'.

See PP/LOW/Z/4a for a digitised copy of this recording.

1989

1 videocassette (33 mins. 37 secs)

The Lowenfeld Trust

Barcode: 22503411796

Please consult the digitised version as this item needs to be accessed onsite using specialist equipment. Email collections@wellcomecollection.org to request an appointment.