'The Achievement of Sir Ernest George and Alfred B Yeates at Golders Green'

These two chapters represent the first academic study of the relationship between the architecture and landscape at Golders Green Crematorium.

The first examines the circumstances surrounding the commissioning of the architects and explores the crucial issue of the choice of an architectural style appropriate both for a new building type without architectural precedent, and for a movement seeking official and public approval in the face of continued opposition.

The second chapter examines the collaboration between William Robinson, one of Britain’s leading horticultural and landscape design practitioners, and George. This is the first research into the development of a new landscape of collective mourning that was to exert a profound influence on the subsequent design of British Gardens of Remembrance and crematorium landscaping. It also provided the first insight, based on archival research, into this hitherto unknown work by William Robinson.

This book, the first academic study of Britain’s most significant crematorium was co-edited with Dr Peter C Jupp, the leading authority on British cremation and comprises twelve chapters by academics working in the areas of death, dying and disposal. They explore a range of issues; legislative, architectural, symbolic, technical and practical, highlighting the leading role that Golders Green played in the development of cremation in the UK.

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