Written by Amanda David
Joseph Grimaldi was the OG clown and inspiration for modern clowns today. There is a popular church service on the first Sunday in February to remember him which is attended by clowns in full costume and make-up but you can also visit his grave on the anniversary of his death where a smaller number of clowns traditionally gather and lay a wreath.
Now to explain the dancing bit. His actual grave is behind railings, marked with a plaque and a pair of tragedy/comedy masks but there is a nearby installation of two coffin-shaped sets of bronze tiles called An Invitation to Dance on the Grave. The tiles play musical notes when you step (firmly) on them, described by the artist Henry Krokatsis as ‘a joyous interlude from the silence of death’; in theory you can recreate the song “Hot Codlins” which was popularized by Grimaldi.
London, you can be so weird but we love you.
Venue: Grimaldi Park, 11 Collier St, N1 9JU
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