A funeral parlour has been branded as ‘tasteless’ after putting up a skeleton display in its window ahead of Halloween.
Photographs reveal that Francis Chappell & Sons has put up a window display featuring a skeleton, bloody handprints and a gravestone at its branch in Sydenham, south-east London.
The display as seemingly sparked fury among passerbys with one alleging the decor was ‘shocking’ and inconsiderate to those whose relatives just died.
Francis Chappell & Sons has been operating across Britain for the last 180 years, according to its website, and touts its dedication to providing the ‘highest standards of funeral care, service and facilities’.
The funeral home’s Sydenham branch has received five-star reviews from clients with one even applauding staff for being ‘professional, courteous and most helpful at a sad and difficult time’.
Francis Chappell & Sons has put up a window display featuring a skeleton, bloody handprints and a gravestone at its branch in Sydenham, south-east London
The display as seemingly sparked fury among passerbys with one alleging the decor was ‘shocking’, ‘tasteless’ and ‘absolutely not the kind of décor people who have just lost their loved ones want to be greeted with’
The kitschy display, which can been seen from the outside pavement, shows skeleton bones scattered across a grave. Bloody hand prints, cob webs and a smiling ghost statue can also be seen through the window
The funeral home has created a makeshift graveyard in the front window of its Sydenham branch.
The kitschy display, which can been seen from the outside pavement, shows skeleton bones scattered across a grave. Bloody hand prints, cob webs and a smiling ghost statue can also be seen through the window.
Someone who witnessed the display told today they were ‘pretty shocked’ by what they saw.
‘How tasteless. It’s absolutely not the kind of décor people who have just lost their loved ones want to be greeted with,’ the individual said.
‘I get that it’s Halloween, but bloody handprints and a skeleton next to a real gravestone – that they presumably sell – is just a bit shocking.’
It is unclear when the Sydenham location first put up the display or if such other branches have also done so. It is also unclear if Francis Chappell & Sons branches typically decorate for Halloween.
has approached the funeral home for comment.