London-Based History Researcher

Wimbledon Labour Hall

During the course of this project, I was asked to research the history of the hall and produce an exhibition and a short publication from the results of this research. A 'labour hall' is a building purchased by a labour movement organisation (usually a labour hall society) for the purpose of providing a meeting place and venue for left-wing activities.

A (Very) Short History of Wimbledon Labour Hall

Wimbledon Labour Hall Co-operative Society was established in 1921 The following year, it purchased premises in Wimbledon, Greater London, in which to hold meetings and social events. The local labour movement organisations, such as the Constituency Labour Party, the trade unions, and the Women's Co-operative Guild all hired the premises for events ranging from whist drives and dances to public meetings. It was also necessary to hire out rooms to non-political organisations, in order to keep the hall as a viable proposition.1930, the premises were expanded by the addition of a large hall.

During the Second World War, the building was used as a centre for bombed out families and schools and as a public ar raid shelter. In the decades following the end of the Second World War, political usage of the premises declined and it became necessary to use the building for other things. More non-political organisations used the premises, including a Korean Church choir and a chess club. A full Indian wedding was also held on the premises. Eventually part of the premises was leased out long term. It is now a nightclub.

The Archive, Exhibition and Publication

Most of the Wimbledon Labour Hall archive was on the premises. I spent several months going through the minute books and other papers to construct a timeline of events at the hall. I also persuaded old and former members of the Society to share their memories of life at the hall. Several of them also lent items of interest for the exhibition.

The exhibition took place in September 2000. Although it was a comparatively small scale event, it attracted more than 100 visitors.

Photographs From the 'History of Wimbledon Labour Hall Co-operatve Society' Exhibition, held at William Morris Labour and Community Centre (then known as the William Morris Meeting Rooms), September 2000

Eighty Years of Wimbledon Labour Hall 1921-2001 was published in May 2001. For more details of this, please see the 'Thesis and Publications' page.