Russia 1922

Part 1 of the four films that make up New Worlds For Old - shot by Wilkins in 1922 for The Quakers in London for their fundraising activities after the Great War. This covers activities in France. Film courtesy of The Friends Society. This is a silent film.

A postcard sent out by The Quakers to potential supporters. No sensitivities spared with the image.

With increased notoriety on the back of his work on Shackleton’s Quest expedition, Wilkins was asked to do a promotional film on behalf of the Quakers in London for their famine relief program in eastern Europe and Russia.

A child with tuberculosis receives milk at a hospital – still image from New Worlds For Old

The Quakers had hoped to end their work after the Great War in 1921 but continued drought and the failure of the Russian revolution had inspired them to go again.

The first page of The Quakers’ pitch for funds from potential donors in 1922.

Wilkins was sent along with an attractive journalist and together they witnessed the most abject poverty, starvation and death – including nearly their own by falling through the ice and in Wilkins’ case by cannibals. Wilkins went on to meet with Lenin and though acting also as a spy for the English government got out and was able to tell the tale.

A child receives medicine – probably Quinine - to ward off malaria. Still image from New Worlds For Old.

This portion of New Worlds For Old, shot by Wilkins as a fundraising promotion tool for The Quakers, covers activities in Poland including the arrival of Father Christmas. Film courtesy of The Friends Society. This is a silent film.