Home


Catalogue


About Us :


Brass Rubbing FAQ's


Contact Us

What are Brasses?

A new style of artwork arose in twelfth century Europe: Wealthy members of the aristocracy commissioned artists to represent their likeness in brass. This would be a way of reflecting high status. Brasses were constructed that showed knights in armour, ladies in the dress of the day, religious ceremony and other costume that represented wealthy occupation. Brass was not a cheap commodity and so only the wealthiest needed to apply!

The ‘memorial’ plates were located in Churches, Abbeys and Cathedrals. Unfortunately, during periods of religious intolerance and civil upheaval, many were destroyed.

However, such was the popularity of the art form that much can still be learned about the style of costume and armour worn by our predecessors over a period which eventually spanned five hundred years!