"Last Offices," delves into the increasingly anachronistic role of independent Funeral Directors in London. This role demands round-the-clock availability, blending an unexpected mix of skills: part therapist, part manual labourer, part makeup artist, and part event planner. Funeral directors navigate through people's darkest moments, serving as pillars of support during times of grief. However, recent research indicates a decline in traditional funeral ceremonies, attributed to the growing popularity of direct cremations.
Amidst this shift, the significance of these longstanding, often family-operated funeral businesses is evolving. Yet, the profession remains largely shrouded in mystery, with many preferring to keep discussions surrounding death at arm's length—a tradition deeply ingrained in British society. By shedding light on this typically overlooked aspect of our life, I aim to spark conversations about death and the grieving process.
Through this project, I aim to find the beauty in the banality of death, recognising that, ultimately, death is just another aspect of life, a business like any other.
