Belong
What does it mean to be part of a community? Working Mens Clubs are British private social clubs created in the 19th century in industrial areas where people go after work to meet each other, drink in the bar or play games. Photographer Dean Belcher explores this sense of belonging in these clubs around the country.
Text and Photography Dean Belcher
At 18 years old I was presented by my dad, a lifelong member, with a beer tankard and membership of my own. This was the antithesis of what I thought life was about at that point in time and whilst I had very little idea of what life was going to entail, I knew for sure this was not for me, neither items were ever used. He never said so but I think my dad was disappointed and our relationship became strained (although now repaired to some extent), not as a result of this singular act but it does feel like a good place to begin and as such as formed the anchor from which this project pivots. A place where my life began it’s divergence.
Bethnal Green
With BELONG, I wanted to explore the complex relationships between the members of these clubs and the sense of community they foster. Whilst this particular community was something I rejected as a young man, reflecting on the value of these institutions and community has become very much part of the project.
In this project I seek to understand the historical role the clubs (often affiliated to the trades of the industrial past) played in educating and entertaining the masses alongside the personal role they played in my life.
Not only is my dad a lifelong member but his parents, my grandparents were also affiliated with clubs, in fact my dad as a young boy lived in one when his parents were working as stewards at one.
“In this project I seek to understand the historical role the clubs (often affiliated to the trades of the industrial past) played in educating and entertaining the masses alongside the personal role they played in my life.”
Cannock
Cowley
Ponders End
Radical
WTH
Find more about Dean’s project Belong here
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