In the borderlands
Posted by Jenny Uzzell There is a very useful word frequently used by anthropologists and students of religion and mythology to describe something that is neither one thing nor the other; something that is ‘in between’. The word is ‘liminal’. Classic examples of things that are ‘liminal’ are marshes or other places at the water’s edge, […]
Calling all angels
When Ed Emsley, a film student at the University of Falmouth, rang me up to talk about his idea for a documentary about the death industry, I was struck by what a very nice fellow he was. I gave him all the help I could — a mouthful of wellmeaning advice and a list of […]
Remains to be seen
So, a bad week, then, for dead heads of state. Hugo Chavez can’t after all be embalmed ‘like Lenin’. By the time the experts got there it was too late for the disembowelling and the deep marinade which would have made him, in death, the centre of a cult and an object of pilgrimage – […]
Adios Noninos
Posted by Vale In my very occasional series (see Song for my father by Horace Silver) here’s another piece written as a tribute to a much loved father. It’s a version of Adios Noninos by the great musician of the tango, Astor Piazzola.
Close thine eyes
Posted by Vale I was at a funeral recently when this song by Purcell was played at the committal. We listened to the Treorchy Male Voice Choir, but I couldn’t find their version on You Tube so this is the Kirkintilloch Male Voice Choir instead. Close thine eyes and sleep secure; Thy soul is safe, […]
Living dangerously
No one here at the GFG-Batesville Shard volunteered to do this gig, so we’ve sent along the work experience lad. Probably the last we’ll see of him. The venue is the Royal College of Art. Coco de Mer stock a range of mischiefmaking Valentine’s Day gifts — if you’re just waking up to the imminence […]
Graveland
Carla Conte is holding an exhibition in late January 2013. The title is Graveland. The venue is the Crypt Gallery, London. Graveland takes a curious look at cemeteries and tributes from around the world, exploring ways we remember, through photography & art. Photography, stories, objects and decorations will show some of the many different ways […]
Yet more exhumation news
Posted by Richard Rawlinson Not Richard III this time but the remains of the woman believed to have inspired Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Lisa Gherardini. A dig at the now-derelict Convent of St Orsola in Florence is said to be getting close to discovering the buried remains of the noblewoman with the enigmatic smile. But […]
Who Killed Cock Robin?
Posted by Vale THE DEATH AND BURIAL OF POOR COCK ROBIN Who killed Cock Robin? “I,” said the sparrow, “With my little bow and arrow, I killed Cock Robin,” Who saw him die? “I,” said the fly, “With my little eye, I saw him die.” Who caught his blood? “I,” said the fish, “With my […]
Buried in a ‘Wasp Rockery’
Posted by Vale Gore Vidal died at the end of July aged 86. Although he would have wanted to be remembered as a writer and thinker, he was perhaps better known as a raconteur and wit with a vicious line in put downs. He had a long feud with writer Norman Mailer and once goaded […]
