Defining Moments

SHED’S HEAVEN

Inspired by a similar writing retreat used by the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, Roald Dahl composed all of his best known works from the comforts of this garden shed. Dahl would retreat to his “little nest” at 10am each morning, sharpen six pencils and begin writing on a yellow legal pad he had imported from America. The curtains would be closed, with Dahl preferring the glow of artificial light, but this strange routine yielded incredible results.

1986