Cemeteries and Sacred Spaces
Sacred spaces are generally regarded as physical places like cemeteries, places of worship, ancient forests or Aboriginal cultural sites. We have worked extensively in the conservation management of cemeteries in Australia and the UK. In addition to recommending practical conservation measures, we also choose to work viscerally; aiming to explore the intangible - the feelings that one receives from visiting a place. We find that working with this depth of meaning creates longer lasting and more profound results for both the client and visitors.
Not only are places protected, but so are the values that people place upon them.
CEMETERIES
We offer a range of services including:
  • Health and Safety Testing of cemetery monuments
  • Conservation management plans & heritage assessments
  • Practical advice - management, conservation & restoration
  • Research, survey and documentation
  • Advocacy and managing community-led restoration projects
  • Guidance in developing future uses of disused cemeteries.
Picture
Restoration of Eliza Donnithorne's Grave
Weymouth Peace Garden commissioned Red Plait to write a management plan for the disused Quaker burial ground that was to become their peace garden.
In partnership with the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management, we wrote a site management plan for a Jewish Burial Ground in Wolverhampton.
In 2014 and 2015, the ICCM asked Red Plait to undertake extensive research into UK burial and cremation fees for a funeral poverty report. The research was reported in the national media.
Red Plait was commissioned by Janine Pattison Studios to develop a range of interpretation options for a new vision of St Thomas' Churchyard, Lymington. We examined ways in which people used the cemetery and created concepts to help people re-engage.
As part of the Rookwood Anglican and General Cemetery team, we designed  interpretation options and a new area for interring ashes in St Bartholomew's Cemetery, Sydney. Our brief was to bring in new audiences and create new avenues of revenue.
Since the beginning of 2015, we have been delivering interpretation and heritage advice to the Churches Conservation Trust  volunteers at St George's Cemetery, Portland.
We also enjoy presenting papers at conferences and write regularly about cemeteries and social attitudes to death. Articles below can be downloaded.

Death of the Socially Undesirable - ICCM Journal
Living for the Dead - ICCM Journal
Interpreting Cemeteries - Legacy, the NAI magazine
Learning to Live with Death - Legacy, the NAI magazine
SACRED SPACES
Catherine also has experience of working on Aboriginal sacred site projects in outback Australia (NSW).
Mulgowen (Yappa) Aboriginal Art Site
In partnership with two other consultants, we were commissioned to develop a management plan and interpretation plan for Mulgowen (Yappa) Aboriginal Art Site. This work included developing options for walking track routes and undertaking community consultation.
Catherine was responsible for documenting the site and preparing design drawings for the team's  recommendations. She spent a week on site recording the three art sites and the broader landscape before returning to the office to prepare drawings of walking track treatments.
These paintings, created by the Ngemba and Paakandji people, depict animal motifs, dancers, hand stencils and hunting tools. The surrounding Gunderbooka Range and Mulareenya Creek is a significant area where ceremonies were held Aboriginal rock.
Our team's work on the Mulgowen Art Site won two
Planning Institute of Australia Awards for Planning Excellence - NSW (2003) and National (2004).
Mt Grenfell Aboriginal Art Site
For the Mount Grenfell Aboriginal art site project, Catherine worked with the same consultant team. After spending time on site recording the art sites, she was able to prepare drawings for the team's report. These included site character, track treatments and installation details. The art at Mt Grenfell was painted by the Ngiyampaa people and the imagery of human figures, waterways, animals, medicine, land, and Dreaming stories holds great significance to the community.