Living with Dying: Everyday Cultures of Dying within Family Life in Britain, c.1900-50

Partners and collaborators

Family historians, University of Leeds Special Collections, Abbey House Museum, Ellie Harrison, Dying Matters

Description

In twentieth-century Britain, dying was both extraordinary and an 'everyday' experience. Whilst the death of a loved one was a momentous emotional event for the family involved, within the wider community death occurred regularly. This research will explore the testimonies of individuals to think about how death and dying were perceived and experienced in modern Britain, and to consider how the relationship between living and dead family members changed in this period. The aim is to explore the place of death and dying within family life, including how loved ones who had died were remembered. The project is funded by an AHRC Leadership Fellowship, and involves partnerships with Leeds City Council Public Health team through the Dying Matters Partnership, Leeds Museums & Galleries, Thackray Medical Museum, Leeds Bereavement Forum, and the artist Ellie Harrison through her Grief Series project.

Project website

https://livingwithdying.leeds.ac.uk/