Harry and Meghan are only the latest of Britain’s imperial pairings. The DNA of royal nuptials stretches down through the ages, and a king, queen and prince or two are among the memorial images returning to the 31st annual Brass Rubbing Medieval Arts Center at St. Luke’s Church, Long Beach, Oct. 16 – Nov. 10.
Visitors can ponder past lives while creating works of art based on medieval finery and knightly armor commemorated in the burial markers that among England’s most fascinating historical treasures. The collection includes dragons, lions, Celtic symbols, and tapestry designs. Images suitable for hanging are made by taping paper over the replica brass plates and tracing the etched lines with gold, silver and/or copper wax sticks.
“Castle Cassidy,” created each fall inside St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 525 E. Seventh Street, Long Beach, offers a backdrop that includes a suit of armor, chain mail vest, and period dress. Colorful banners and an array of coats of arms provide ambiance for the event.
Costs are $8 and up for materials. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m for groups, and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for walk-in visitors. Group reservations of 10 or more include a docent talk. Victorian teas featuring scones and cucumber sandwiches are available for groups at additional cost. For information and reservations, email to brass.rubbing.lb@gmail.com.
