Setting up a new workspace

From 2016, my creative space will be in the backyard! With sunshine and the whole 3x3m room to myself, it's going to be HEAVEN.
I've felt so grateful and a bit embarrassed about this luxury, which has made me reflect on historical attitudes towards women's workspaces, carried over from paid versus unpaid work. Why should I feel guilty about the extravagance of a studio (or 'she-shed'), when a big fancy tool shed is an acceptable norm for men? This is my tool shed and I paid for it!

It's no surprise, when historically it is mostly male artists/authors who had studios and writing sheds, whereas most of my own female role models didn't. Take Mrs Mary Dwyer, champion embroiderer, working directly under the ceiling light by perching her chair on top of the kitchen table. No wonder I feel guilty! I always compare my circumstances to those before me and think that I can make do with some corner of the house, like they did.
Well not anymore! I'm calling my space a creative triumph, as well as a feminist triumph - let's be more confident about setting up a proper workspace away from the house - it should be normal.  
Stay tuned for more pictures as the cottage gets painted and set up...