A few years ago, Simon Coleman found an old shed at the south end of Northfields allotments. Here he explains what it took to restore it
The shed is in an area where the No.1 plot was situated when the allotments were first created in 1832.
This shed is believed to have been built before 1971, making it over 50 years old. I kept as many original features as possible and added some new features including a green roof and a display of vintage tools from the 1950s and 1960s that have been found on the allotments.
Below are photos of the shed before the restoration. It had been covered in material including corrugated plastic sheeting and roofing felt. The front door was an interesting bi-folding one which I was keen to keep.
Underneath the external cladding I found an interesting shed. The roof was completely rotten but I was able to repair and use the side wooden panels. The front window was missing so the majority of its glass was replaced with another reclaimed window found elsewhere on the allotments. Below is what I found of the original shed structure.
Inside the shed there was little of value but some areas had been clad with some interesting materials. It has tropical-style bitumen-backed wallpaper, probably from the 1950s, and a floral lino possibly dating from the early 1960s.
The shed currently displays some vintage tools found on the allotment. It is possible to visit this shed during our open days in July.