Glasgow's "What-you-please" Club

Dec 07, 2024

Glasgow, with its bustling industrial past and its vibrant social scene, has long been a city that embraced the eccentric. Among the many social institutions that shaped life in Glasgow, some were more unusual than others. One of the most curious was the “What-you-please” Club, a name that in itself invites curiosity. This club, along with a number of other odd and quirky social groups, reveals a side of Glasgow’s history that is both amusing and surprising. In this blog post, we will delve into these unusual organizations and explore how they played a part in the city’s cultural fabric.

1. The What-you-please Club: A Name That Says It All

The name of the “What-you-please” Club alone is enough to pique anyone's interest. How could a social group with such a curious name have operated in a city like Glasgow? In the 18th century, when Glasgow was rapidly expanding due to its growing industrial power, social clubs flourished. These clubs served as spaces for wealthy merchants, tradesmen, and intellectuals to discuss ideas, make deals, and enjoy leisure activities.

But the “What-you-please” Club took things a step further by embodying the essence of unrestrained freedom and social irreverence. Members of this club were encouraged to speak their minds without fear of judgment or restraint, and they likely discussed a wide variety of topics, from local politics to international trade, and perhaps even the peculiarities of their own lives.

Why "What-you-please"? The name reflects the informal, laid-back nature of the club. It was less about formal rules and more about embracing personal autonomy in a society that was rapidly changing. This emphasis on freedom and personal expression was particularly appealing in a time when much of society was still bound by strict class systems and formal social conventions.

2. The Face Club: A Quirky Gathering of Characters

Another club that stood out in Glasgow’s history was the “Face Club.” The name itself, odd as it seems, reveals something about the nature of the group. What exactly does "face" refer to? It might have been a reference to the importance of personal appearance and reputation in the social circles of the time. In an age where image and class were deeply intertwined, it’s possible that the members of the Face Club were drawn from the upper echelons of Glasgow’s society, where presenting the right “face” to the world mattered.

While much of the detailed history of the Face Club is lost to time, we can surmise that the club was made up of a variety of individuals who enjoyed engaging in witty conversation, socializing, and perhaps gossiping about the city's elite. The idea of "face" in this context likely extended beyond mere appearances, suggesting that members of the club placed great importance on reputation and social standing.

3. The Sma’ Waft Club: Where Smells Were Central to the Conversation

Perhaps one of the more unusual clubs in Glasgow’s history is the “Sma’ Waft Club,” a name that might have many scratching their heads. “Sma’ waft” translates to “a small puff of air” or “a faint scent,” and the name evokes an image of something light, subtle, and ephemeral. What could have drawn a group of individuals together under such a peculiar banner?

It’s likely that the club had a tongue-in-cheek or humorous tone, embracing the idea that life’s fleeting pleasures, like a small waft of perfume or the scent of fresh bread, were worth savoring and discussing. While there is little record of the club’s activities, it’s tempting to imagine that the group may have engaged in playful discussions, enjoyed good food, and perhaps even commented on the olfactory experiences of the city—its smells, its atmospheres, and its ever-changing scents.

This club may have also reflected the emerging trend of social clubs in Glasgow, which were often formed around particular interests, pastimes, or, in this case, perhaps something as intangible as the feeling or smell of a moment in time.

4. The Hodge-Podge Club: The Elite and the Ordinary in One Space

The “Hodge-Podge Club” was yet another of Glasgow’s quirky social clubs, but it had a slightly different character. Unlike the more whimsical Face or Sma’ Waft Clubs, the Hodge-Podge Club reflected a more eclectic mix of individuals. The members of this club were likely drawn from the ranks of Glasgow’s tobacco merchants, who were among the wealthiest and most influential figures in the city during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The name “Hodge-Podge” might imply that the club was something of a mix or mishmash, bringing together individuals from various walks of life. Despite its diverse membership, the club’s atmosphere would have been far from chaotic. These wealthy merchants were known for their love of good company, fine food, and intellectual pursuits. While the club may have been a bit of a hodgepodge in terms of its members, it was likely also a space where business dealings were made and ideas about commerce and culture were exchanged.

Interestingly, the Hodge-Podge Club is often associated with the city’s intellectual and cultural life. Many of its members were known for their interest in literature, philosophy, and arts, and the club became a place where both business and intellectual pursuits could coexist.

5. The Role of Social Clubs in Shaping Glasgow’s Identity

While these clubs—The “What-you-please,” the Face Club, the Sma’ Waft Club, and the Hodge-Podge Club—may seem strange to modern eyes, they were vital components of social life in 18th-century Glasgow. At a time when the city was experiencing rapid growth due to industrialization, these clubs provided spaces for conversation, relaxation, and the exchange of ideas. They also helped define the cultural fabric of Glasgow, marking it as a city of social innovation and intellectual curiosity.

In the 18th century, Glasgow’s social life was dominated by merchants, professionals, and the wealthy elite. The existence of these clubs tells us that while the city was an economic powerhouse, it was also a center of social experimentation. These clubs, some of which embraced informality and others that maintained a sense of elitism, allowed individuals from various backgrounds to engage with one another in ways that might have been unimaginable outside of these social circles.

Conclusion: A City of Eccentricity

The strange and true history of Glasgow’s quirky social groups reflects the city’s eccentric spirit. These clubs, each with their own peculiar name and purpose, tell the story of a city that was not only a hub of commerce and industry but also a place where social life was rich with diversity and creativity. Whether discussing the finer points of reputation in the Face Club, enjoying the fleeting joys of life in the Sma’ Waft Club, or mixing business with pleasure in the Hodge-Podge Club, Glasgow’s past was a blend of the serious, the humorous, and the downright strange.