Memories recreate allotment shed

The original shed formed the hub of the 100-year-old community

Memories and stories from allotment holders in east London have been used to reconstruct their community shed for an art exhibition.

Artist Thomas Pausz, who built the hut from reclaimed materials, took his inspiration from members of the Manor Garden Allotments in Hackney Wick.

The shed will stand next to the Royal Albert Hall in west London and house an exhibition about allotment life.

Manor Garden Allotments was closed last year to make way for the 2012 Olympics.

The original shed formed the hub of the 100-year-old community which stood by the River Lea.

Film screening

It was demolished in October 2007 along with all 81 other allotments to make way for landscaping on the site of the London Olympics.

The exhibition inside the hut opens on Monday with a plot holders' meeting and discussion about the future of the allotment community.

It will also host a screening of the film This was Forever, which is about life on Manor Garden Allotments.

Plot holders were moved to a nearby site in Leyton where they will remain until after the London Olympics, when organisers say they will move back to the original site.

Mr Pausz, a student at the Royal College of Art, created the exhibition as part of his course.