(Exhibition text in English, referring to a QR code in the exhibition)
Free Time Becomes Leisure Time
The eight-hour working day divides the day into equal parts of work, rest and leisure. Clubs and sports encourage people to spend their free time in a healthy and wholesome way, and help keep them away from alcohol and vulgar pastimes.
In the 1920s, radio and newspapers start to report on sporting events. More women take up sports, but they often face resistance. Some claim that doing sports masculinises women and makes them unable to bear children.
Cinema and radio are popular pastimes, regardless of your social background. As are excursions to the countryside by bicycle or car. In many towns, the Folkets Park (People’s Park) plays a central role in the community. They are places where people go for entertainment, dance and music, as well as for lectures, theatre and operetta performances.
A few objects
Tans and sun bathing become fashionable and are associated with health, leisure and travelling. The daring two-piece wool swimsuit with a striped top was purchased in Italy in 1925.
The Allsvenskan (Swedish premier division) men’s football league is played for the first time in 1924. In the UK, women have their own football league, in Sweden women play occasional matches. The Football boots with leather studs have never been worn.
Board games and card games are popular. Games like Ludo and contract bridge are new to Swedes in the 1920s.
In 1923, horse racing betting becomes legal in Sweden and the general interest in horse racing increases. Horse riding and equestrian sports are common activities among the well-off. The straw riding hat with a black ribbon was made in the UK.