A Process Involving Brass

Hobbies do not necessarily have to be easy and this concept is true for the brassing activity which is done by one couple although they say that the rewards are incomparable. Ask them nicely, and they may even tell you what brassing is. In brassing, you are taking the images of the flat metal figures commonly seen in tombs, images in stones in churches, and other decorative pieces from 13th to 17th Century England and transfer them on paper to reproduce works of art that are ideal for exhibits.

In this case, it may sound pretty simple but the couple stress how difficult the process could be. They were stationed in England for four years up until about a year ago when they were transferred to an Air Force base. The pair was always interested in collecting antiques and has quite a display of antique furniture, dishes, utensils, and other items. Unheard of in the United States is the process of brassing but the couple became interested in it when they were in England for it was a popular activity there.

To honor their dead the upper class English resorted to the use of engraved flat brass portraits that they would usually place on the tombs or on church floors. The process involves transferring an image by placing special black paper over the brasses and then using a gold colored wax bar to rub against it.

Following the ridges in the brass the wax rubs off on the paper recreating a certain image. The couple brought back more than 200 of the paper images and one duplicate brass from the original monument. Dying in battle in 1277 was Sir John d' Abernon and his was the brass that the couple treasures most. Not only is this the earliest known brass but to accommodate the people who want to take rubbings bookings were made months in advance.

According to the couples, the Vicars in charge of the brasses saw to it that only those with prior experience were allowed to duplicate the brasses. From the English comes much reluctance when it comes to permitting people to make the brass duplicates and this was caused by a number of Americans who went there and brought back duplicates selling them in New York for $2,000 each so a waiver is now needed stating the absence of any intent to sell before any duplication is allowed.

Considering the large number initially put down from 1250 to 1650, about 8,000 monuments remain. The monuments include several clues and through these brasses it has been possible for the historians to trace the development of clothing and armor not to mention lifestyle. Using these they were able to determine that a lion pictured at the feet of a knight means that he died in battle and a hound at someone's feet meant that he liked to hunt with dogs.

Brassing is not an ordinary concept in the US especially since art is just catching up here. When it comes to rubbing this can be used to copy decorative engravings, manhole covers, and even etchings on tombstones. This is a hobby you could enjoy even if the couple needed four hours to accomplish the rubbing of Sir d' Abernon. There have been invitations by art shows and several schools for the couple to display their rubbings.

By: Martyhu

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