A rubbing is made by laying paper over a textured surface and rubbing gently but firmly with crayon, charcoal, pastel or a soft pencil.

Markings are left where the raised areas were and thus you are left with a relief image of the textured surface on the paper.

A rubbing can be used to record the texture of almost any surface, and for students it’s a common exercise to learn about the various textures of the world around us such as tree leaves, bark, sandstone, rock.

A rubbing is also a very useful way to create a unique historical record of an original surface, such as a bronze wall plaque, gravestones or decorative architectural features. They are also an interesting art form in their own right and large rubbings of bronze reliefs from churches are sometimes made, framed and hung in people's homes.