The Victorian Way of Death
Dr Helen Frisby
- Region:
- Anywhere
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Academic, Hobby, Rotary
- Fee:
- Paid: £60.00 plus travel/subsistence as agreed
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 6th March 2026
- Tagged:
- History | History Of Art | Victorian Funerals | Death And Dying
Frank Holl’s 1872 painting I am the Resurrection and Life (Village Funeral) exemplifies social realism: an artistic movement which drew attention to Victorian working-class living conditions. Holl captures a poignant moment in time, as a funeral cortège wends its weary way through a rural churchyard. While his subjects have clearly attempted to assemble the trappings of a respectable funeral, their efforts are obviously, painfully threadbare; a stark reminder that all were (and still are) by no means equal in death.
In this talk historian Dr Helen Frisby will explore the story behind this moment; where would these people have come from, and where were they going? What customs and rituals would they have performed - and what lessons might all of this have about grief and loss for us today?
Views: 369 | Enquiries: 0About Dr Helen Frisby
Based on two decades of research, my scholarly yet sympathetic talks about funeral customs past, present and future will get your group thinking and talking about how do we deal with this inevitable fact of life.
With a PhD on the history and folklore of death, dying and funerals, my publications include the Shire Library book 'Traditions of Death and Burial'. I've appeared on the History Channel with Johnny Vaughan, and on BBC and Australian national radio. I work with all sorts of groups large and small, and would love to hear from you!
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Dr Helen Frisby
Send a message to the speaker
If you are interested in this talk and wish to contact the speaker, please complete the following form: