From the FCS Book of Little-Known Facts (macabre Victorians)

This sinister trend saw a massive increase over the 19th Century due mainly to the increase in photographic technology.

Often on the death of a loved one, be they young or old, the family would splash out on having a photo taken of them. Of course they don’t want a horrific picture of the dearly departed looking lifeless they want an image of them dressed well, sitting up or even standing.

They sometimes even wanted other family members to pose with the deceased

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to stop learning new things