life, death, and the weird bits in-between
Telling the Bees, 1879 Following a death, the list of duties seem endless. From booking the undertaker to choosing the coffin, plot or crematorium, the list of necessities seems endless. But of all of these commitments, the most important of them, the most integral of all, is telling the bees. It’s a matter of tradition,... Continue Reading →
Some of Queen Victoria’s mourning jewellery is going up for Auction on March 24th 2021 and if you can’t treat the catalogue as the ultimate window-shopping history lesson, then you’re missing a trick.
A hair brooch, a name and a cross-continental journey. Hester Ann Barfield 1853-1856.
Shelters may seem to have been a rather excessive addition to the world of ecclesiastical furniture, after all; what’s a little rain between a vicar and a coffin?
When visiting the church and circling these monuments, it seems a miracle there was ever any room for religious services...
Due to the superstition of not holding mourning clothing in the household for longer than necessary, when a death occurred, you needed to act fast – places like Jay's catered to this on a massive scale.
With Halloween knocking on our door and Whitby goth events calling our name, many of our minds turn to jet, indulgent dark jewellery and the beauty of mourning wear. But, to appreciate jet, its place in fashion, mourning and gem appreciation, we really need to delve into its inky history. ‘Black, forsooth, coal-black as jet…’... Continue Reading →
Memorial cards were often one of the first indicators of grief and one of the last reminders...
After experiencing the death of a loved one, our mourning practises may include collecting mementos...and a full-sized effigy of the deceased.
Burials & Beyond 