Working men's club memorabilia wanted for show

A museum is asking people to lend it objects associated with working men's clubs to accompany a new photography exhibition exploring "club culture".

Colin Potsig started taking portraits of regulars in working men's clubs across Northumberland about two years ago before expanding the project to Cumbria.

Club Culture Cumbria will go on display at The Armitt, in Ambleside, in February 2026 alongside the donated objects that tell "fascinating stories" about the clubs in the region.

The museum is asking for anything from beer mugs to photographs and videos.

Mr Potsig, who lives in Allendale, Northumberland, said he first got the idea to capture the regulars of working men's clubs when he drove past one in Hexham.

"I've never been inside a working men's club in my entire life," he said, adding he used to focus on landscape photography before turning towards portraiture.

"I used to see all these interesting people standing outside," Mr Potsig said.

"I was fascinated by people and how everyone is different."

Like his Northumberland project, Mr Potsig travelled to multiple clubs across Cumbria.

"They were just as friendly and welcoming," he said.

"People are quite wary when you first go in with the camera and you ask questions. Like who are you, where are you from, are you from the DSS [Department of Social Security]?"

The Armitt said many of the working men's clubs and mechanics' institutes across Cumbria were struggling to survive and that what were once hubs for towns and villages were increasingly being torn down or incorporated into other uses.

It is hoped the objects will add to the portraits and draw attention to the fading spaces.

Faye Morrissey, The Armitt's manager and curator said: "Objects can tell fascinating stories, and we'd like to share the everyday items from clubs that people might otherwise pass over."

The museum will be collecting objects for display throughout January and February.

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