Modern men might feel out of their depth when faced with hands-on tasks like wiring a plug. It seems that centuries of human progress in science, arts, and humanities have culminated in a generation skeptical of their DIY prowess. Imagine how far we’ve come, yet many of us still grapple with the basics.
Enter ManLab, a sanctuary aiming to reverse the worrying trend of male helplessness. Nestled in a humble industrial building, this is a place where forgotten skills are revived, where men can reclaim their sense of practical competence. Perhaps, along the way, we’ll dabble in woodwork and plumbing, too. ManLab is a call to arms for those wanting to jump-start their stalled evolution, a clubhouse of ingenuity and invention.
The space is a bustling hub of activity. There’s my friend Sim, who insists on redefining masculinity through plywood endeavors, and our trusty cement mixer, waiting to transform our lavatory, though this is no attempt at a Mediterranean makeover. PAUSE. It’s cozy yet chaotic, with a rest area for relaxation featuring eclectic retro sofas and an unnervingly immobile motorcycle.
Digging is a quintessentially British skill, rooted in our gardening prowess and wartime escape artistry. But what if, in the midst of garden renovations, you stumbled upon an unexploded WWII bomb? Imagine my shock at finding a faithful replica of a 1940 Luftwaffe 250-kilogram bomb—payload and all. Today, I demonstrate how to defuse this relic, a step-by-step guide should the cold steel of Nazi ambition suddenly greet your spade.
This project isn’t just about bomb disposal; it’s a statement against modern man’s retreat from hands-on competence. The average British kitchen, replaced every five years, exemplifies this disposable mindset. Here at ManLab, we aim for enduring craftsmanship by building a concrete kitchen designed to last a millennium.
Sim, our resident builder-architect, constructed a mold for a kitchen worktop. This mold, intricate and one-use, symbolizes our commitment to permanence. When the moment of truth arrives, our efforts yield a concrete masterpiece, betraying our fears with its unexpected beauty.
Our kitchen stands proudly industrial, a stark contrast to the fleeting fads of the home decor world. With the hob wired up—brown wires live, blue wires not, green and yellow earth a lot—we’re ready to embrace a revival of self-sufficiency, even installing a fancy train set to transport goods and essentials within ManLab, a playful nod to childhood.
From boot polishing under the exacting gaze of a military sergeant to serenading love interests with Elizabethan lute songs, ManLab chronicles the trials and triumphs of reclaiming lost skills. We even explore the niche world of flat-pack furniture racing, with comedian Alexander Armstrong assembling IKEA pieces against the clock—pro shoppers beware, it’s not as easy as it looks.
The pièce de résistance is a radio-controlled picnic table, born from an electric wheelchair and Sim’s inventive spirit. It’s a wry solution for the lawn-mowing man who dreams of a perpetual picnic.
With every episode, ManLab reclaims the lost art of being a proper chap. Join us as we turn back the clock, not just to fix what’s broken but to revel in the satisfaction that comes from doing it ourselves. Whether facing down historic bombs or creating culinary marvels from fish fingers, ManLab stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of practical genius.