The Shrouded in Silence project was created to address the sensitive topic of death using empathy and creativity. It features artwork, talks, films,
workshops and a podcast.
The project embraces the depth of our shared humanity, delving into the intricate tapestry of emotions and experiences that shape our existence.
The resources provide insight into the project and can be used to support
conversations around death, dying, and grief.
EXHIBITION FILM
Meet professionals from the end-of-life sector and learn how to make conscious choices that positively impact the environment.
In conversation with the artists who contributed to the Shrouded in Silence exhibition.
PODCAST
Join us on our West Horsley Place estate tour, led by Head Gardener Matt Link. Throughout the tour, Matt offers valuable insights into the estate's day-to-day operations, highlighting the team's efforts in maintaining the historic landscape while prioritising sustainability and biodiversity.
Look through the gallery of pictures (below) which accompanies the podcast and click on the map to see the route we took >>>>>>
ARTISTS' PROCESS FILM
A behind-the-scenes look at artists Mary Branson, Karl Newman, Annalees Lim and Luna Russell in their studios as they create their artworks for the Shrouded in Silence exhibition.
STUDENT FILM
Elodie Davies delves into the potential of addressing challenging subjects through filmmaking and provides insight into the process of becoming a filmmaker.
Filmed by the artists.
MEADOW SOUNDSCAPE
Listen to the 20-minute Meadow Soundscape by Miles Russell, which accompanied the Shrouded in Silence exhibition.
photography by
MEET OUR DOCUMENTARY EXPERTS
In order of appearance
SIMON FERRAR
JUDITH DANDY
THE BRIGITTE TRUST
ADRIAN PINK
KATE TYM & KATE DYER
IAN PARSONS
HELEN NOBLE
ADEEL HUSSAIN
MUHAMMAD HABIB
IMAM NAVEED ARIF
HAMID MASUD & SAIF MASUD
CLAIRE BROWN
KRISTA HUGHES
JON WHITEHEAD
Meet Jon from the Nonsuch Voles. With his team of volunteers, they created our beautiful bier, which gently carried the coffin filled with paper scrolls through Clandon Wood meadow.
EXHIBITION
Whistlestop Arts collaborated with artists Mary Branson, Karl Newman, and Miles Russell, as well as Tristen Hennigs, Gladrags, Riverhouse Barn Creative stitchers and writers, and the wider community to showcase a new collection of artworks to spark conversations and promote creativity.
The exhibition travelled to four beautiful venues across Surrey between February and June 2024.
RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON-ON-THAMES
THE HORTON, EPSOM
Photos by Emma Brown Photography
ST MARTIN'S WALK, DORKING
WEST HORSLEY PLACE
ARTISTS TALKS
There was an opportunity to meet the artists exhibiting in the Shrouded in Silence exhibition. During these events, guests had the unique opportunity to hear from Mary, Karl, Annalees, Luna, and Miles as they spoke about their work and shared their concepts and techniques. This provided a deeper understanding of the art pieces, the artists' perspectives on their work, and the processes they went through to create their pieces.
DEATH CAFES
Led by the Brigitte Trust encouraging honest and thoughtful conversations about death and dying over coffee and cake!
Death Cafes provide a safe and informal space to talk about your thoughts and feelings around death and dying. Our partner, the Brigitte Trust offer death cafes in different areas of Surrey that are free and open to anyone, to speak freely and without judgement. There is no set agenda for a death café meeting just facilitated discussion following the interests of those attending.
We can all take time to reflect on death. Talking about death helps remove the fear surrounding it.
Thank you to all who came along to our Death Café's and joined in with the conversation.
Search online for a 'Death Cafe' in your area.
MEMORY BOX MAKING - workshops
This workshop offered a chance to create a memory box that celebrates significant moments from either your own life or someone else's life. Participants received a small display box and decorative papers to use as a starting point for adding photos, poems, letters, and trinkets. These elements adorned the box and shared the stories linked to the life being honoured.
CELEBRATION EVENT
The final Shrouded in Silence event took place at Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground on the 21st of June 2024, under the guidance of celebrant Mandy East.
The event featured the screening of the documentary and exhibition films, as well as moving poetry and readings from those involved in the project. The evening concluded with a silent walk through the meadow to an open grave. There, scrolls containing messages, emotions, and images from the project were committed to the soil, bringing the project to a gentle close and allowing for reflection on conversations and experiences.
Photos by Emma Brown Photography
