London Month of the Dead - Agatha's London

THE MOURNING TRADE The Rise of the Funeral Director in Victorian Britain With Emma Sparre-Newman on Saturday the 18th October 2025 at 1:30 pm Ever wondered why we send flowers to funerals, or why mourning horses wear elaborate feather plumes? Have you ever tasted a funeral biscuit or questioned the etiquette of funeral attire? In this illustrated talk, funeral historian Emma Sparre-Newman traces the rise of the Victorian funeral director and how their role helped shape many of the customs we still observe today and a few that have thankfully been left behind. Drawing on a wealth of social history and curious detail, Emma will explore how industrialisation, urban living, and the rigid expectations of Victorian society gave birth to the modern funeral industry. From professional mourners and elaborate mourning garb to death photography and the symbolism of flowers, this talk reveals how 19th century values, anxieties, and aesthetics transformed the way we deal with death. Join us to uncover the legacy of the Victorians and the surprising stories behind the rituals that still accompany us to the grave. Tickets £12.50 including a delightful gin cocktail and a 20% donation to Brompton Cemetery. Please click here to purchase. Emma Sparre-Newman Emma Sparre-Newman developed an early interest in funerals as the daughter of a country parson, observing firsthand how her father supported bereaved families. After a detour into costume work at the BBC, she joined a South London funeral firm where she worked for nearly 30 years, including roles as senior funeral director, training manager, and service centre manager. In 2024, she became Cemetery Services and Business Development Manager at Brompton Cemetery. Emma regularly gives talks to diverse audiences, from the Police and Clergy to museums, the Women’s Institute, and Gothic and Steampunk events across the UK.

THE MOURNING TRADE
The Rise of the Funeral Director in Victorian Britain
With Emma Sparre-Newman on Saturday the 18th October 2025 at 1:30 pm

Ever wondered why we send flowers to funerals, or why mourning horses wear elaborate feather plumes? Have you ever tasted a funeral biscuit or questioned the etiquette of funeral attire? In this illustrated talk, funeral historian Emma Sparre-Newman traces the rise of the Victorian funeral director and how their role helped shape many of the customs we still observe today and a few that have thankfully been left behind.

Drawing on a wealth of social history and curious detail, Emma will explore how industrialisation, urban living, and the rigid expectations of Victorian society gave birth to the modern funeral industry. From professional mourners and elaborate mourning garb to death photography and the symbolism of flowers, this talk reveals how 19th century values, anxieties, and aesthetics transformed the way we deal with death. Join us to uncover the legacy of the Victorians and the surprising stories behind the rituals that still accompany us to the grave.

Tickets £12.50 including a delightful gin cocktail and a 20% donation to Brompton Cemetery. Please click here to purchase.

Emma Sparre-Newman
Emma Sparre-Newman developed an early interest in funerals as the daughter of a country parson, observing firsthand how her father supported bereaved families. After a detour into costume work at the BBC, she joined a South London funeral firm where she worked for nearly 30 years, including roles as senior funeral director, training manager, and service centre manager. In 2024, she became Cemetery Services and Business Development Manager at Brompton Cemetery. Emma regularly gives talks to diverse audiences, from the Police and Clergy to museums, the Women’s Institute, and Gothic and Steampunk events across the UK.

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