It seems it was in the 18th century that allotments were first set up in the UK to allow people to grow their own food. In WW2 they became very popular as a way of supplementing food rations. Rationing did not stop in the UK till 1954. The allotment tradition has continued, with many people taking a real pride in their allotments.
It is often the place where the man can escape to … although whole faimilies often work down the allotments. I think people like to grow their own organic food and get in touch with nature. I guess it is an alternative lifestyle thing.
My stroll round allotments yesterday revealed that the areas are clearly under attack, with doors, locks and high hedges being a key feature. A clearer view of each image is on my photostream. Info here
Image created with fd’s Flickr Toys.
PS This reads like a school project (I don’t care.)
I think it is a very glamourous project and we should seek AHRC funding for a project on involving representations and allotment culture in a post colonial society.
We could look at allotments as artefacts of identity and cultural spaces.
Marvellous.
Comment by kate — June 5, 2006 @ 3:34 pm
that is seriously what they are.
Comment by DrJoolz — June 5, 2006 @ 4:16 pm
I would love an allotment but am way too lazy to do all that digging and weeding.
Comment by Mary Plain — June 5, 2006 @ 7:56 pm
Yo, dr Joolz! Have you seen the Seeds of change competition run in the Observer? You have to send in a photo of food. I really think you could win! Visit observer.co.uk/seedsofchange. Go on, make us proud to have seen it here first.
Comment by citybitch — June 7, 2006 @ 9:06 pm
Oh!! I see. Me? Win??
I never win. I will have a lookie but am prob not good enough ….
Comment by DrJoolz — June 27, 2006 @ 8:05 pm