The modern process of embalming bears little relationship to the ancient Egyptian art, which was only available to the most wealthy and powerful people. The modern process is relatively simple, similar to a blood transfusion, and largely consists of replacing the fluid in the vascular system with a lightly coloured preservative fluid. During the process, this fluid is sent around the body using its own circulatory system.
Benefits of Embalming
The human body is genetically designed to return to its basic elements once death has occurred. This process, called decomposition, is started by the bacteria, which are naturally present in the body during life. Decomposition will continue unless refrigeration or embalming are used.
The aims of embalming are threefold:
- Preservation
- Presentation
- Sanitation
Preservation
The preservation qualities of the procedure means that you can visit your loved one on more than one occasion right up to the day of the funeral. Even if you feel that you would rather not visit your loved one in the Chapel of Rest, during the time approaching the funeral, you may change your mind. Embalming will give you the opportunity to do so.
Presentation
Embalming can restore a more natural appearance, giving the deceased a peaceful repose. It may also remove some, if not all, of the obvious signs of illness or trauma suffered prior to death, which may be of great comfort to those suffering from grief.
If possible, it is recommended that you supply us with a recent photograph of the deceased, which can be of use for cosmetic purposes. For dressing, and because of possible changes to the condition of the deceased, a long-sleeved item of clothing would be preferable with a high neckline and/ or scarf to complete the presentation.
After death, changes to the body can produce a pale appearance. This is counteracted by adding colouring to the embalming fluid, which gives the body a more natural appearance. Other fluid can also be used to rehydrate the body to enhance the appearance further.
Sanitation
Embalming is necessary for the presentation and sanitation of the deceased. This process also allows the deceased to be touched, or their hands held whilst receiving visitors, without the possible risks of transferring pathogens.
We would also recommend Embalming if the deceased is to be received into church or to be taken home prior to the funeral.
The introduction of the Medical Examiner System in September 2024 was supposed to speed up the process of certifying deaths, but such has not proved to be the case and the time between death and the funeral taking place is often much longer. This makes Embalming even more important.
Truelove’s History with Embalming
On a visit to the USA, Harry Truelove, the son of our founders, was deeply impressed by the benefits of embalming. At the time, embalming in the UK was in its infancy and refrigeration was not widely available, so funeral directors had no way to preserve the deceased. Harry introduced Embalming to the company in 1937. In 1950, when he built the new chapel block at our Head Office premises in Sutton, he included a custom-built embalming theatre and invited George Lear, one of the pioneers of embalming in the UK, to open an embalming school there. This proved very successful and many of the first embalmers in the UK and Europe were trained in his school.