New in the studio

The Boiler Replacement Project at 136A will involve taking up floorboards in two rooms to install larger-diameter pipes. Our old boiler, which lives in the cupboard in the studio, was recently deemed "at risk" by the men who came to change the gas meter. It had been going out when the wind was in the wrong direction; even after that was fixed - which needed an extensive search for parts for this old model - it was, and is, making a loud swoosh when it lights. So we are ready to replace it, which means a lot of mess and bother, and expense -- and a fair few decisions. Like, whether to leave the cupboard there at all...

Smaller, more congenial, changes are also afoot. The new type of boiler means that the hot water cylinder will become unnecessary and we'll gain more storage space (or, empty space? not likely...) in the studio, with or without any changes to the cupboard.

The gas guys recommended giving the old boiler ventilation, so we took the door off altogether rather than having it open all the time. It just happens to fit in the space under the window, apart from a small corner needing removing. Once it has its brackets and legs it will be just a bit higher, right under the windowsill, and it will be fabulous to sit there, basking in the north light ... and the heat from the radiator under the window. And best of all, all the rest of the room will be out of sight.

It's done! But this area will never look quite like this again....