Artfully Dead

Step into the gas-lit, fog-choked streets of Victorian London, where shadows hide more than just the poor and destitute. In this inaugural episode of Artfully Dead, we explore one of the most chilling mysteries in criminal history: the identity of Jack the Ripper. More than just a tale of blood and violence, we unravel a story of artistry and horror, where a notorious killer might have wielded more than a knife—he may have held a paintbrush.

Join us as we dissect the infamous 'From Hell' letter, recount the gruesome murders that gripped Whitechapel in 1888, and introduce a shocking theory: Could Jack the Ripper have been a respected Victorian painter? Through the lens of history, art, and unsolved crime, we navigate the twisting alleyways of Whitechapel in search of answers.

In this first episode, we lay the foundation for a deep dive into the Ripper's murders, his letters, and the disturbing evidence pointing to a figure who bridges the gap between creativity and savagery. Was Jack the Ripper not only a killer but also an artist?

Get ready for a journey through the macabre, where each brushstroke uncovers darker truths. Welcome to Artfully Dead. Listener discretion is advised.

In the early hours of September 8th, 1888, Spitalfields woke to the shocking discovery of Annie Chapman’s mutilated body, the second of Jack the Ripper’s canonical victims. In this gripping second installment of our Canvas of Crime series, we get into the gruesome details surrounding the deaths of Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, and Catherine Eddowes, unraveling the harrowing mystery that continues to haunt London's dark alleys.

We explore eyewitness accounts, chilling crime scenes, and unsettling similarities between the murders. This episode also dissects the infamous “Saucy Jacky” postcard and “Openshaw Letter,” analyzing whether these communications are genuine clues from the Ripper or elaborate hoaxes crafted to manipulate the public.

Brace yourself for mature content and graphic descriptions, as we paint a vivid picture of Jack the Ripper’s reign of terror.

Warning: Listener discretion is advised.

Stay tuned for Part 3, where we unveil the Victorian artist who may have been the notorious killer himself.

Episode Highlights:

• The brutal murder of Annie Chapman, her mutilations, and eyewitness testimony
• The controversial “Double Event” of Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes’ murders on the same night
• Examination of the letters tied to Jack the Ripper, their authenticity, and impact on the investigation

In the final installment of our Canvas of Crime series, we dive into the brutal murder of Mary Jane Kelly, the last and most infamous victim of Jack the Ripper.
Found in her small room at 13 Miller's Court, Kelly’s murder was marked by a level of violence unlike any of the previous victims.
We recount the gruesome details of that night, explore the unsettling evidence, and reveal the name of a renowned artist whose connection to the Ripper case has fueled controversy for decades.
Did this painter have a darker side, one that could link him to the Whitechapel murders? Join us as we break down the evidence for and against his involvement, leaving you to question where art ends and crime begins.
Listener discretion is advised for graphic descriptions.