More than seven decades after his death, George Bernard Shaw is remembered for his prodigious body of work as a playwright, but also for his personal eccentricities, such as his shed which he commissioned in 1924 to serve as a private writing space on his property in Hertfordshire.
The hut was designed to be easily camouflaged and hidden from view, giving Shaw the privacy he needed to work without interruption. The circular steel track on which the hut was mounted allowed it to follow the sun throughout the day, providing optimal light for Shaw's writing.
Shaw wrote several of his most famous works, including "Pygmalion," "Saint Joan," and "Major Barbara," in the hut. The space allowed him to work undisturbed, and the natural surroundings provided inspiration for his writing. Today, the hut has become a popular destination for fans of Shaw and literature in general. It is a testament to the power of a peaceful, secluded environment to foster creativity and productivity.
Shaw himself was clearly very happy here. Of it he wrote:
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This my dell and this my dwelling. Their charm so far beyond my telling. That though in Ireland by my birthplace. Here shall be my final earthplace. |
He named it after the English capital so that unwanted visitors to his home could be told, not untruthfully, that he was in London. Today it is such a popular tourist attraction that you may have to book ahead - click here.
Should you wish to visit my cosy "Melbourne" instead, click here.
