Shed of the Year Winner Fires Back at Critics Over ‘Basic’ Build
London artist Archie Proudfoot triumphs at Shed of the Year competition with his innovative ‘Frankenshed’, constructed from recycled timber and old fence posts.
Archie Proudfoot, the creative genius behind the award-winning ‘Frankenshed’, has responded with a sassy retort to detractors who took a dig at his wallet-friendly DIY creation. Defending his unique shed, he simply told them to ‘dry your eyes’.
Outshining a competitive field of 26 contenders, Proudfoot secured the prestigious £1,000 prize with his ‘Frankenshed’ masterpiece. This compact and vibrant workspace, assembled from repurposed materials, drew the admiration of judges for its breathtaking transformation. The blend of colors and textures impressed, earning it the title of ‘the highest levels of technicolour transformation’.
Critics, however, couldn’t resist throwing shade. Alex Dodman, a rival shed enthusiast, expressed frustration, claiming his own monumental efforts had been undermined. Dodman’s lavish transformation of a disused gym into a mountainside ski chalet, complete with an outdoor pool, left him feeling snubbed. He dismissed Proudfoot’s shed as ‘basic’ and ‘underwhelming’.
Proudfoot, undeterred by the naysayers, delivered a snappy Instagram comeback: ‘Salty tears of defeat from fellow Shed of the Year finalists filling up column inches. Dry your eyes, mate.’ The artist cheekily reminded critics that the competition was about the ‘Shed of the Year’, not the ‘Faux Ski Chalet of the Year’ or ‘Garden Building of the Year’.
The winning shed’s charm was not lost on the judges, who commended Proudfoot’s restoration of the once-decaying structure, now revived with recycled materials. His creative touch infused vibrant yellow and blue hues onto the roof and walls, with golden accents adorning the windows, featuring garden tools.
Proudfoot hailed the ‘Frankenshed’ as his most elaborate and enjoyable artwork to date, triumphing over extravagant competitors and turning a humble shed into a whimsical masterpiece. The victory, while celebrated, hasn’t been without its fair share of playful rivalry.
Another contender, Alex Dodman, not one to shy away from grand projects, constructed his ski chalet shed with a view over his own homemade swimming pool. The ambition behind Dodman’s design left him feeling slighted by the competition’s judgment.
Meanwhile, Tim Griffiths, who fashioned a pub shed in his backyard during lockdown, found his creation securing the public vote but missing out on Cuprinol’s top nod. Griffiths’ ‘Smuggler’s Notch’ evoked traditional pub aesthetics, yet it fell short of the competition’s shed-centric focus. He took the defeat in stride, joking that he wouldn’t envy the judges’ tough call.
In the end, the Shed of the Year competition isn’t just about physical structures; it’s a canvas for creative vision and a space where innovative ideas collide. While opinions may differ, one thing is for certain: these enthusiasts have raised the bar, transforming simple garden sheds into captivating expressions of artistry.