In 2002, the underground crypt of St Pancras Church was transformed into The Crypt Gallery, an exhibition space for art displays, events, and even a Christmas market. The dark stone tunnels and high arches of the gallery create an alluring and atmospheric display space. It is quite the change from the glaring, stark whiteness and bright lights of traditional galleries. There are still over 550 people interred in the crypt and, appropriately, the gallery will be hosting an artistic and photographic exhibition on the subject of death from 29 January to 3 February 2013.

Photo by Crypt Gallery.
The event has been described as "vibrant, playful, beautiful, and inviting." It will be interesting to see how the gallery strikes a balance between playful and respectful in exploring the sombre topic of death.

English churchyard. Photo by Erin Connelly.
The exhibition will include art and photography that examines cemeteries and memorials across the world. Drawings, sculpture, film, crafts, decorations, stories, and photos will reveal the variety of ways death is handled throughout the world, from well-known traditions to unusual rituals.

The Crypt Gallery. Photo by Crypt Gallery.
Along with the art exhibition, visitors will be allowed to play games, write stories, create artwork, and respond to the theme of death in creative workshops. Music and drama performances will be held at the gallery opening event on the evening of 31 January from 6 to 9pm.
Not just for the morbidly-inclined, the Graveland exhibition aims to portray this sombre topic in a new and distinct manner and help spectators to view death through a different, more uplifting lens.
Entrance to the exhibition is free.