Working Mens' Clubs

3 million members, in 3,000 clubs. Britain’s Working Men’s clubs evolved to serve the collective leisure need of Britain’s Working Class communities. Established in 1862 as men only clubs, they have evolved to serve the whole family, whilst retaining their male membership status.

Based on collective ideals of social recreation, the clubs diet of cabaret acts; bingo, alcohol and events for the family quickly established these clubs at the heart of their communities. However, social mobility, unemployment and increased leisure options have eroded the traditional membership base.

There collective ideals of social recreation these clubs reflect on a time when communities where strong and the industrial age was dominant.

A photography project part memoir, part documentary.

Recipient of a grant from the W.Eugene Smith Memorial Award 1997