Death Redesigned: British Crematoria, History, Architecture and Landscape

This book, the first full-length study of the subject, represents the culmination of eight years research and provides the first critical reading of this significant modern building type, hitherto neglected by architectural historians.

With Forewords by leading British cremation historian Dr Peter C Jupp and international architectural historian Alan Crawford, the book examines the special historical, social and cultural conditions that surrounded the design of Britain’s 251 crematoria. It focuses on the ways in which architects and designers of crematoria have responded to the challenges of modern secularism and relativism.

Although cremation did not claim widespread support until the second half of the twentieth century, it called for a new building type and a new landscape for mourning and a collective sense of loss. The book argues that the absence of a shared understanding of what is required by a crematorium has led to ambiguity and evasion in its architecture. Crematoria nevertheless have the marks of modernity upon them and can be seen to reflect the evolving values and social life of a changing urban society. As cremation slowly gained acceptance, this process was reflected in its architectural expression and each crematorium can be seen as a symbol of social change.

Increasing secularisation of society raises the role of the crematorium to that of a highly significant public building; architects and designers are responsible for an environment where the ritual, function and remembrance are centred on the crematorium and its setting. The gazetteer provides comprehensive information about individual buildings.

Hilary Grainger's research interests include late nineteenth and early twentieth century architecture and design, the late Victorian architect Sir Ernest George, architecture and design of British crematoria.

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