What is 'rational recreation'?

Rational Rec is a half-shortened version of 'rational recreation', a late 19th century social movement which later gave rise to the Working Men's Clubs, like the Bethnal Green Working Men's Club, the first venue used by Rational Rec from 2005-2008. Rational recreation was the middle class's solution to the perceived tacky, perverse recreation of the working classes, who supposedly spent most of their time off at pubs, fighting or in 'low' pursuits.

The self-assured Victorian middle class formulated new leisure activities that reflected their righteous ethos of productivity and moral respectability. Leisure had to be not only respectable but also productive - good for one's soul and for the country as a whole. Leisure and recreation above all had to be rational. The kinds of activities established were hiking, organized sport, popular education, political debate, music and drama - many of the activities which Rational Rec still carries on today.

Right: the shabby chic of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club, Rational Rec's first home. Rational Rec is now embarking on a new commissioning strand of activity.