FMP: Allotments, Primary Reportage Research. Part 1

Final Major Project: Allotments, Part 1

For my Final Major Project I have decided to explore my enjoyment for the outdoors and interesting activities that can be carried out in them.  I can completely dive into this subject matter and become captivated.  This has the potential to let me be creative and lead me to whichever direction seems appropriate.

The idea of using allotments as my focus, came from the indication that this traditional hobby or activity is undervalued.  Also, the allotment has the potential for many more groups in society (than is traditionally associated with it) being able to benefit from it.  I really wish to capture the beauty and more importantly, explore the atmosphere and spirit of the allotment.

So to start, I went to my local allotments and began with reportage illustration and photography.

After exploring Monmouth's allotments, I found myself drawn to the mysterious concoctions the allotment owners had created.  The decorative seat and archway was most appealing to me.  This is likely to be due to the aesthetic patterns and forms.  No matter how many times I walked around, you cant help but to discover more.

 

Interesting Creations:

Seating:
What I enjoy about this creation is that this allotment owner is making a simple activity such as sitting and relaxing in their tranquil environment, a decorative piece of art.

Archway:
This is a nice hand made, decorative first impression to an allotment.  Its a obvious divide between allotments and what I really enjoy is the various shapes, patterns and textures.

Pest control:

What I enjoyed most about the Monmouth Allotment's pest control was the variety in creations and determination.  From bottles and tennis balls with carrier bags wrapped round it to deter birds.  To the odd bit of barbed wire, actual barriers, fencing and protective dogs.

Growing Aids:

I automatically presumed that these bars with rope hung from it was a way to deter birds away from the plants underneath.  However, after further investigation and enquiry I discovered that it was a tool to enable the kidney bean plants to wind up.

Beautiful Sheds:

I love how allotment owners have taken it into their own hands to make the allotment atmosphere much more creative.  This peace dove painting shows the true creativity and love these people have for this environment.

The Kymin on top of the hill in the background, is a true sight to parallel this interestingly beautiful activity.  However, the other side of the allotment being over-looked by the A449 is a complete contrast to this and something I may avoid?

Interesting tools:
I really like the wear and use that can be seen in this worn wheel barrow.  There is something enjoyable in the rust and holes.

Here are some images I just had to photograph as I found them truly inspiring and beautiful:

Only when I returned and reviewed my photographs did I notice the shed in the above photograph had three interestingly decorative masks on.  This tells something about the allotment's proprietors, that they are interested in the arts and appreciate beautiful things.  It could also give the idea that they are cultured and possibly well travelled as they are quite oriental masks. 

I like how when I took these images, I used the leaves and twigs to frame the photograph

Interesting Textures:

When researching allotments on the Internet, I found a useful national organisation called "National Society of Allotments and Leisure Gardeners Limited".  On this website includes a gallery of beautiful, picturesque allotments.  It needs to be taken into account when viewing this link, that the allotments here do not represent the majority of allotments but just the ones people are proud enough of to show.

National Society of Allotments and Leisure Gardener's Ltd link

Saying that, I find the messier, more jumbled allotments much more interesting to view and better for finding home made, genius creations.  The disposed of tools and loose sheets of corrugated metal sheets a true representation of the typical British allotment.

After viewing these photographs I have taken from Monmouth's allotments, along with any previous knowledge you have of allotments and gardening, please answer a few questions I have:

1. What do you find most appealing about allotments?

2. What decade were you born (e.g.1980's or 90's etc) and do you feel allotments are accessible to your group in society or not?

3.  If not, what do you think can be done to make you feel included in participating in a allotment?

Thank you for answering these questions