London’s Garrick Club, one of the city’s most revered gentlemen’s clubs, has voted to allow women members, potentially paving the way for Dame Judi Dench to become its first female member.
The Garrick Club, one of London’s oldest and most prestigious gentlemen’s clubs, has recently voted to allow women to become members, breaking a 193-year tradition of male exclusivity. This historic decision, passing with nearly 60% approval from its existing members, could potentially see actress Dame Judi Dench become its first female member. The vote follows intensified scrutiny and debate over the exclusivity of such clubs, prompted by criticism from the public and resignations from high-profile figures including the head of MI6.
This move by the Garrick Club has ignited further debate among other traditional gentlemen’s clubs in London. Clubs like the Travellers Club and the Savile Club are now considering revising their membership rules to include women, with some already consulting legal experts to explore this possibility. For instance, the Savile Club’s ongoing discussions led to the resignation of notable member Gareth Neame.
However, there remains resistance in some quarters. Clubs such as White’s continue to maintain strict men-only policies, barring women from even entering their premises. This contrasts with the shifting attitudes towards inclusivity and gender equality that prompted the changes at the Garrick Club.
The changes and ongoing debates at these historic institutions are emblematic of a broader shift within British society towards more inclusive and representative social spaces, challenging longstanding traditions of exclusivity and gender segregation.
