Food has always played a central role in death and grieving; the communal practice of sharing meals, publicly and privately, can be a way of exploring grief.

This is the subject of an exhibition and dinner taking place on November 3 in Edinburgh by Alex Mascolo, author and grief researcher.

“This Meal Reminds Me Of…” is a result of Alex’s PhD research into the ways that food is used to connect with and commemorate the dead in Britain.

In collaboration with Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Alex intends to create a safe, but experimental space for the bereft. The chip shop inspired two-course meal provided will aim to facilitate the sharing of memories of loved ones that have died between attendees. (Vegetarian friendly options will also be available.)

The accompanying exhibition will include projections, photographs and example interview transcripts exploring the relationship between grief and food.

Following the event, anybody interested can book a session with Alex to tell her about a meal that reminds them of a loved one. These interviews are also open to those who can’t make the dinner event. Email [email protected] for more.

A portion of the ticket price for “This Meal Reminds Me of…” will be donated to the Refugee Community Kitchen, an organisation which helps to provide food for refugees – and those in need – within both Edinburgh and Calais.

Read more about Alex Mascolo’s work here.