Macabre Swithland Slate Tombstones: Death in the Churchyard, revisited
When
Where
Online event
Online event
A free event forming part of the Church Monuments Society’s series of online lectures for the Season of All Hallows, 2022. Everybody welcome!
Death in the Churchyard explores the ways in which the makers of tombstones from the late 17th century to the early 19th century depicted the many faces of Death, particularly using what is commonly known as Swithland slate from the Midlands, UK. This includes literal depictions such as carvings showing the dying and the dead, as well as metaphorical representations including common mortality symbols, skulls and bones and animated skeletons. Covering aspects of churchyard history and tombstone carving, it discusses makers’ sources and motivations. Join us for an in-depth look at this imagery and how it has been inventively, artistically and skilfully depicted in slate…to dramatically macabre effect. Please note this will be an extended version of ‘Death in the Churchyard’ as delivered as part of the Church Monuments Society 2021 season.
Elizabeth Blood is a historian of monuments and commemoration. An enthusiast for Swithland slate and for the study of church and chapelyard monuments, she is currently conducting research focused on the Midlands. Her doctoral research pertains to local war memorials and their preservation, and she is currently a Research Associate at the University of Leicester.
This online talk is FREE to all and will take place on Zoom. Places must be booked via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/macabre-swithland-slate-tombstones-death-in-the-churchyard-revisited-registration-269658384487?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. This is one of a series of online talks delivered by the Church Monuments Society for Autumn 2022.
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During the webinar:
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• The talk will last approximately 45 minutes and will be followed by questions.
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• Enjoy the talk!
Image Credit: Elizabeth Blood