the Art of Memory
simplifying the landscape
Toward the end of the 19th century , fences and curbing around individual lots at Mount Auburn were removed in an effort to minimize clutter and generate open space , thus creating a more unified appearance and one that was easier to maintain . Landscape designer Lawrence Caldwell , active at Mount Auburn in the 1920s and ’ 30s , wrote that “ the new Cemetery should become a park-like area with inspiring natural scenery carefully preserved and developed to attain a high degree of quiet dignity and peace .” 9 While upright headstones continued to be erected , unobtrusive flush markers set at grade with the ground also became popular at this time . These simple , rectangular monuments provide a flat surface for names and dates of the deceased as well as space for a personal design or emblem such as a crest , cross , wreath , or bird .
Photo , Mount Auburn Staff , 2011
evolving traditions of commemoration
In addition to flush monuments and upright headstones , unique examples of contemporary design can be found at Mount Auburn . Recently placed in the Cemetery is a stone sculpture by artist Izumi Masatoshi — a boulder carved of Japanese basalt , and split in two , that rests on a flat granite plinth . The two rocks facing each other , and the space between , symbolize the relationship between husband and wife and elicit a powerful emotional response .“ You try to make something
Photo , Jennifer Johnston , 2013 that will be meaningful ,” says stone cutter Douglas Coffin , who works with families to design artistically carved stone monuments . 10 “ Today , families want to remember and honor their loved one in a way that is highly personalized ,” says fourth-generation monument dealer David Sullivan . 11 Resting on a sloped hillside , this seemingly simple monument is surprisingly fresh and new in spirit . Elsewhere in the Cemetery , a kinetic sculpture by artist Anne Lilly marks the grave of architect Benjamin Thompson . Inspired by a watercolor drawing by Thompson , it moves gently and playfully in the breeze .
6 | Sweet Auburn