What if, after we die, we were wrapped, rather than boxed? The softness and flow of fabric creating a gentle outline, instead of hard edges, solid barriers and firm lines. Closing rituals of covering, wrapping, tucking and tying, taking time and being with our person after they have died, honouring them, honouring our love and connection.
There is something about the quiet simplicity and integrity of a shroud, and the ritual possibilities it holds, that offers an intriguing alternative to a coffin. But shrouds are an uncommon choice just now, and maybe we would feel unsure about how this would all work.
This workshop is an opportunity to come together to explore the ideas and possibilities of shrouds, to share wisdom and to practice together, reimagining and rediscovering this ancient practice and how it can support us today.
In this session we will explore together:
What a shroud is and where the idea comes from
Why we might choose a shroud instead of a coffin
Materials and fabrics that can be used for shrouds
Creative processes that can be used in shroud making
Designs and techniques for wrapping
How making and using shrouds can support us in being with death and grief
We will have time for sharing, for some hands on creative activities, and for shrouding practice. I will bring examples of shrouds that I have made and some scale models to show how different shroud designs work. We will explore the idea of ritual and how shrouding can support us to hold tender space for ourselves and others in times of loss. This workshop will include a showing of my film The Luddenden Shroud and I will bring the shroud and cradle I made for that project along to show.
Location
Our venue for this workshop is Portland Works, one of the UK’s most important historical industrial buildings, now home to an inspiring collection of traditional and modern craftspeople. This workshop is in collaboration with Abi from Woven Farewell coffins, who make beautiful willow shroud carriers. We will have the opportunity to practice using these carriers, and to see Abi’s workshop which is in the same building. Please see Portland Works website for more about the location, transport links, parking etc.
Booking Info
**Places are limited and booking is essential**
Tickets are £75
Some discounted places may be available, just get in touch.
To book please email Rachel Hawthorn. Please state the date and location of the workshop you would like to book onto as I am taking bookings for several different locations. Booking is confirmed with full payment in advance, payment info will be sent to you via email.
Feedback from previous participants:
“I find spending time listening to Rachel talk with passion about shrouds just utterly delicious.”
“To wrap the dead is, in some ways, to wrap the living too. To give families something to witness, something to touch, something to remember. A gesture that says: ‘We did not let them go carelessly’. A most beautiful workshop, profoundly moving and meaningful, a must for absolutely anyone!”
“Rachel facilitated the shroud workshop beautifully and there was such rich sharing from the participants too. It was glorious to be in the presence of people who work with people who are dying or have died and talk all around the subject. All thoughts were welcomed; strong and potentially challenging ideas were welcomed; those who didn’t feel comfortable sharing were welcomed. It was just lovely.”