The Oughley shed exhibition depicts the duality of the life of David Strain, through one of its most important aspects: his country shed.
A sanctuary built by David Strain, where gay men could entertain friends and lovers, has been recreated by the artist Lorna Gough, using research by Dr Tom Hulme from Queen’s and Professor Leanne McCormick from Ulster University.
David, from County Down, was a dutiful son from a strict Christian background. After completing school, he joined the family linen business. However, in his evenings and weekends he had his shed: a safe place he built at Oughley, on the outskirts of Belfast. His diaries, letters, photo albums, and newspaper cuttings were deposited and preserved in The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI).
From the outside, David’s shed looks like any other, however the interior reveals a place of Oscar Wildean decadence. A peat-scented pot belly stove provides a warm welcome. Photographs of David’s friends, family, and his beloved Jack Murray demonstrate his rich social life; while a green carnation buttonhole nods to his obsession with Oscar Wilde. Hidden in the secret drawer of a writing box are replicas of Belfast Telegraph personal ads used by David and other men who were seeking a male companion. Audio tapes bringing some of his diary entries to life play inside the shed while visitors explore their surroundings.
