Rectory Lane Cemetery
Dead Space to Living Place
A Heritage Lottery-funded project to restore a neglected Victorian cemetery

Location:

Rectory Lane, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

Date:

2014-2021

Client:

Friends of St Peter’s, Great Berkhamsted

Inspired by the fact that my grandparents are buried here, I created the ‘Dead Space to Living Place’ Project to restore this neglected cemetery,  securing £1.25 million in HLF and partnership funding. I project managed all the repair and new works, including commissioning benches following an international design competition.

The completed Project has gained international recognition:

Heritage and Culture Award Feedback:

The judges described the winning project as a sensitively designed and detailed scheme which effectively balances change with architectural and nature conservation issues. It demonstrates an exemplary level of historical research, conservation approach, community and artist involvement, alongside a keen eye to the future of the site, which has resulted in a successful cultural asset that is accessible to a diverse range of users. The project illustrates thoughtful levels of sustainability, from interventions that support biodiversity, environmental education and best use of resources to mental health benefits. The judges noted that the huge increase in footfall since its completion, along with extensive volunteer contribution indicates that it is a project of exceptional value.

The cemetery now hosts 90,000 visits a year, and is a recognised event location – I organised the Graveyard Shift back in 2014 to put the project ‘on the map’. We also have commissioned unique performances such as Memento Mori by Heroine Project Presents (2018).