Grave wreath

by Femke Hoyng

My discovery of the couronnes

I live and work in the small village of Acquet in Northern France.

There is a small medieval church there that the villagers use once a year: on July 14th, the national holiday, a short Catholic mass is held, followed by a barbecue with plenty of drinks.

The first time I attended that mass, I discovered the "couronnes" (funeral wreaths) hanging from centuries-old nails on the damp clay walls. The delicate handiwork of wire and glass beads was stunningly beautiful.

The couronnes were originally made in prisons by female inmates. It was (and is) painstaking work, and these women had plenty of time.

Following this old French technique, I create funeral wreaths with wire and glass beads. A central shape is wrapped with flowers and leaves and, if desired, adorned with a photo of the deceased. These can be either people or animals.

Couronnes

in the small church of Acquet