The Luddenden Shroud

The Luddenden Shroud is a hand-felted woollen shroud along with a woven cradle crafted from foraged ivy, bramble, holly and willow. I made the shroud for, and with, my friend Janet, as a soft, enfolding, earthy alternative to a traditional coffin.

Janet was born in the Luddenden Valley and she intends to be buried there, in the small natural burial ground that is a stone’s throw from her home. All the materials used in the making have been sourced from the valley itself, the place that has cradled her throughout her life.

Born out of conversations between us, the creation of Janet’s shroud has been a unique collaborative process which has enabled us both to explore themes of death and grief, our relationship with the valley and with nature. Foraging for natural materials and using ancient crafts and creative practices has connected us to the timelessness and beauty of the landscape. In our hearts, we know we are nature, there is no separation.

This process of birthing the Luddenden Shroud has formed my initiation as a shroud maker and is the first in a series of collaborations exploring our relationship with death, nature and the environment.

A short film, produced by Geoff Brokate, tells the story of the making of the shroud, and documents the journeys Janet and I have been on through the making process, reflecting on our experiences of loss, times of sorrow and hardship. The result is a death-positive meditation on friendship and the healing powers of nature and creativity.

The shroud and film were exhibited in summer 2024 at the IOU Creation Centre, Dean Clough, Halifax.  

The Luddenden Shroud project was commissioned by IOU as part of Culturedale, Calderdale’s Year of Culture 2024.

See my Instagram for updates on this project and contact me for more information.

Image credits for this page Natural Endings and Geoff Brokate.