House of Life Exhibition

In October 2019 the House of Life project proudly opened a temporary exhibition at Brent Museum and Archives in Willesden Library.

The exhibition was the first step to opening up Willesden Jewish Cemetery to the wider public, it was a chance to step out from behind the eight ft walls and inspire interest in local people.

The exhibition was made up up of informative panels and objects that explained the history of the site, introduced Jewish customs of death and burial, celebrated the lives of a few notable burials, and offered a space for individual reflection.

Between October 2019 and February 2020 the exhibition had around 7,700 visitors and many left us memories and thoughts on the reflection boards.

Many also attended events such as the first House of Life Death Cafe, a Curator’s Talk and Songs Unearthed, a concert featuring music associated with Willesden Jewish Cemetery.

We are grateful to Philip Simpson Design for designing and installing the exhibition, to Hester Abrams for curating, and to our many House of Life volunteers who researched, installed, promoted, and organised events.

Visitors will be able to see more of Philip’s wonderful work this autumn when Willesden Jewish Cemetery opens to the public as a heritage site.

Read the Jewish News article about the exhibition here.