The Clubs

The exhibition, The Clubs, was a commission for FotoFreo 2010 and the book by the same name was launched at the opening of the exhibition.

Published by FotoFreo Inc.

Photographs by David Dare Parker and essay by Ron Davidson

Forward by Bob Hewitt, map by John Maslin

Hardcover in slip case:  Limited edition of 20 copies, each signed and numbered, together with a limited edition print (1 of 20).

Size 31cm x 31cm, 115 pages and 58 colour and 25 black and white photographs. Weight 1.8 kgs

The social and workers clubs have been an important part of the urban fabric and history of the City of Fremantle. However, with the changing circumstances of the city and the demographics of the Fremantle population over the last 50 years — initially because of the mechanisation of the port but more recently through redevelopment — these clubs have been in steady decline and some more so than others.

The main clubs included the Workers Club (Henry Street); Italian Club (Esplanade Reserve); Navy Club (High Street); Wyola RSL Club (High Street); Buffalo Club (High Street); Fremantle Club (Bannister Street); and the Commercial Club (Cantonment Street). The Commercial and the Fremantle Clubs have now closed with little evidence of their passing.

There is no intention to provide a history of these places, rather to capture ‘their flavour’ before it is forgotten. The two bodies of work are meant to be ‘read’ separately: the perspective of the photographer and that of the writer.

This collection of photographs and essay is in the form of limited edition, photo art book (20 copies only) and each is accompanied by a signed, limited edition print from the exhibition.

Price: AUS$660, including GST and free postage anywhere in Australia.

To purchase click here.