Gravestone Rubbing Art, Hobby, History, Ancestral Research

You will gather information about the history of grave rubbings just from reading the description of the book below.

The author and writer, Firestein, "describes her own casual and uninformed entrance into the craft of rubbings, then goes on to explain how to create T-shirts, note paper, and framed pictures from these simple site-gathered souvenirs.

Background information details the history of this ancient craft, dating the oldest rubbing back to approximately 300 A.D.

Photographs illustrate this art form from many cultures, some ancient and some obtained by the author, ranging from simple leaves to elaborate cathedral doors. The author provides practical tips and step-by-step instructions, including necessary materials, suitable subjects, and adequate preparation. [You] should find this craft an impetus for hands-on historical study."

Review written by Pamela Cooper-Smuzynski of the Fairfax County Public Library, VA

As you read this partial description of the item pictured below, you will learn a little more about how the craft of tombstone and other rubbings are done.

"The process of capturing relief impressions of lettering, carvings or designs from stone or brass plates is an ancient and beautiful art with widespread contemporary appeal. Because it produces stunning images, as well as teaching us fascinating facts about the past, the technique attracts everyone from historians and artists to schoolchildren on field trips...."

The kit contains everything you need to create your own beautiful rubbings. There is a 60 page book included that shares the history of this interesting craft as well as instructions. You will receive what you need to clean a surface before taking your rubbing, rubbing wax, tape, and 5 sheets of 24x36" paper that is very good quality, a cloth-like paper.

Though the title of the book below is humorous, and the Epitaph in the black box above is as well, one of the most interesting things to find on a gravestone are Epitaphs. Even if nothing else is known about a person after hundreds of years have passed, just a little phrase can tell you volumes. It is Epitaphs that I look for most when walking through graveyards. They make wonderful rubbings to add to your collection.