Welcome to the website of mortuary archaeologist, death historian and best-selling author Lorraine Evans. Focusing on new research and finds in the world of archaeology and history, this website will act as a hub for all of Lorraine's archaeological passions, namely non-conformist burial sites, deviant burial practices, graveyards, historical death rituals, and anything out of the ordinary. It will also act as a repository for all of her published works to date. The accompanying sister site, entitled Morte Photography and Research, focuses on surveying and recording of burial grounds and cemeteries throughout Scotland.

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Symbols of Mortality - Exploring Orkney's Funerary Art and

Architecture Exhibition

After seven long years of continual up and downs, bizarres twists and turns, medical turmoil, hospitalisation, strife, Uncle Covid, raging storms and an exhibition curse that plagued everyone involved, I am delighted to say that my exhibition, entitled Symbols of Mortality - Exploring Orkney’s Funerary Art and Architecture, finally opened in Orkney Museum last weekend. Talk about a labour of love - and pain! I have so many people to thank for not only believing in me, but who stayed with the course throughout those seven years. Therefore, I would like to express my eternal gratitude to both Tom Muir, Orkney Museum and Fran Flett Hollinrake, St Magnus Cathedral, without whose support and kindness I no doubt would have failed. The exhibition is comprised of a significant number of graveyard/cemetery images together with some stunning funerary artefacts, the exhibition runs from 8th February until the 1st March. Events included a gallery tour on the 8th February, followed by the Symbols of Mortality Conference on the 22nd February, and a special guided tour of the gravestones in St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall with Cathedral Curator Fran Flett Hollinrake. Other events will be announced in due course. Exhibition merchandise is available via the official Symbols of Mortality Shop.

For further information regarding any aspect of the exhibition, please feel free to drop me a line in person, or contact Orkney Museum.

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Boneyards of Steel - Exploring The

World's Aircraft Graveyards

I am delighted to announce that I have recently signed a two-book deal with my publisher @penswordbooks. Albeit, in truth, the contracts were signed before Xmas, but the exhibition in Orkney simply took over! The first book, which I am very excited about, is an extension of Chapter 8 from my previous but one book Burying the Dead, title of the same name. Being somewhat of a fighter jet nerd, it was no hardship to accept this particular offer. But before you think, 'oh my god, how boring, a book about planes'...... this is ME you are referring to. Have I ever done anything expected or followed the norm? Would I ever give you 'just a book about planes?' Of course not! So, expect Alaskan glaciers spitting out plane parts, graves embedded into an active runway, an entire fleet of fighter jets buried underneath the Iraqi desert, and a simple small Teddy Bear, squadron leader of the best military aviation channel in action. And lots, lots more. The expected publication date for Boneyards of Steel is May 2026.

 

As with regards to the second book, due for release in May 2027, is another death and burial themed tome. However, I think I will keep that one under wraps, just for the time being.

 

Again, if you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to drop me a line via the websites CONTACTS form.

 

 

 

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