Sir Ralph & Lady Elizabeth Verney

At the Church of St. John Baptist, Aldbury, Hertfordshire, 1547

This multi-color rubbing gives the heraldic insignia of these brasses a unique aspect. Although most monumental brasses seen in churches now appear just as brass, many were originally filled with colored enamels which have since worn off.

The Verneys belonged to an influential and distinguished family which continues to this day. Sir Ralph & Lady Elizabeth had nine sons and three daughters. These children are depicted on the brass, they are all shown of identical size and in similar clothes, as was customary at that time. Many monumental brasses which commemorate a man also feature his wife or wives, and all his children because they were part of his domain.

Rubbings in one or multi colors may be obtained, either as single figures or as a pair at the Wachs Brass Rubbing Centre.

Celtic Brasses

Celtic Brasses

The designs found on Celtic crosses date back to carvings found in 

caves and on stone markers in the late Stone Age and early Bronze Age.

When Christianity arrived on the British Isles these designs 

were adapted to make the beautiful Celtic crosses so popular today.

The Melrose cross found in Scotland is shown here done in 2 colors. 

The ring of the cross contains elaborate knotwork of unbroken line. 

The  centre design shows the classic Pictish loop shown in 

the Monymusk Reliquary , the Book of Kell, and carvings in Ireland.

The St. Andrews - Tree of Life cross is found in a graveyard that

surrounds the cathedral ruins in St Andrews, Scotland.

The "tree of life" design created by the vines and leaves was

a late addition which was incorporated into the Celtic cross 

only after Christianity.

This design can be found in Waterford County, Ireland,

the intricate knotwork may have been influenced by a Brigid's cross.

Rubbings of Celtic designs are very decorative as well as

meaningful. Groupings can create a dramatic wall display.

These and many other rubbings are available at

Wachs Brass Rubbing Center

Margaret Peyton 1484

Margaret Peyton 

Sometimes referred to as "The Lace Lady", 

Margaret Payton is one of the most popular brass rubbings. 

A facsimile of this brass is found at most rubbing centers, 

making it a favorite of tourists. 

The original brass is found

in Isleham, Cambridgeshire 

and dates to 1484.

This is a huge monument depicting Sir Thomas Peyton 

flanked by his 2 wives under an elaborate canopy. 

Margaret, his first wife, is wearing a fancier gown 

because she had a better title and more property.

While many decorate their walls with rubbings of Margaret, 

others have displayed the 2 wives together 

or hung rubbings of all 3 next to each other for a really striking display. 

All 3 images are available at the Wachs Brass Rubbing Centre.

Wachs Brass Rubbing Centre

Welcome

Wachs Brass Rubbing Centre

Brass Rubbing is the process of reproducing commemorative brass plaques onto paper. 

The rubbing of brass memorials has long held a fascination for historically minded people and recently the decorative possibilities of these art works has increased in popularity.