Gerold Eppler, initiator of the hearse meet, on stylish vehicles and morbid charm
On Saturday, April 18th, numerous hearses will converge on Kassel to meet at the Museum for Sepulchral Culture. The season opening event for the hearse enthusiasts was initiated by Gerold Eppler. The museum's deputy director and museum educator is himself passionate about vintage vehicles – all the more so when they also have a story to tell.
Gerold, what is it about hearses that fascinates you?
Gerold Eppler: Hearses are a rolling memento mori. Seeing one on the road makes it clear: even the most wonderful road trip eventually comes to an end. And they make a statement. It's the morbid charm of these vehicles that's always accompanied by a certain serenity. The drivers I've met are mostly chilled out. Firstly, in the face of mortality. Because they know that despite the best care and maintenance, they and their vehicles will eventually reach the end of their lives. Secondly, in terms of driving style: it's hard to imagine a hearse driver participating in a car race.
Which program items at the hearse meeting are you particularly looking forward to?
Looking forward to the conversations with the fare dodgers. Each of these cars has a unique story. Who owns the vehicle? Where has it been? How did they acquire it? What experiences have the new owners had with the hearse? These "petrolhead" chats are sure to be entertaining.
What kinds of objects related to the transport of corpses can be found in the Sepulchral Museum?
Besides graphics, transport coffins, and a DHL shipping box for urns, three historic carriages and a 1978 Chevrolet Impala are currently on display. Our depot also contains stretchers, frame carriers, hearse trailers, and one of the few 7 Series BMWs converted into a hearse in Germany.
You've developed brand-new guided tours especially for the hearse meet. What are they about?
One tour explains how transportation from the place of death to the cemetery has changed over the last 200 years. The other tour recounts the extreme circumstances that allowed the Sepulchral Museum to acquire the Chevy at a bargain price – circumstances we knew nothing about back in 1993.
Is the event also worthwhile for children?
Absolutely. After all, when do children ever get the chance to sit behind the wheel of a hearse? And then, in addition to face painting and giant soap bubbles, we also offer the kids the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild on the pavement of the museum terrace with sidewalk chalk.
The questions were posed by Elisabeth Dietz, Head of Online Communication at the Museum for Sepulchral Culture
