McMillan Gallery

Brass Rubbings

“A many of our bodies shall, no doubt,
find native graves; upon the which, I trust
shall witness live, in brass of this day’s work.”

- Shakespeare’s Henry V

The Medieval engraved memorial brass rubbings are significant as beautiful artistic designs which inform the cultural and social history of the Middle Ages and the Early Renaissance period in Northern Europe. 

Mary Ann Murray ’76 has donated five brass rubbings to United’s permanent collection, bringing the seminary’s brass rubbings to nine pieces. The impressions of the Continental Brasses were rubbed by Mary Ann and Jack Murray and their daughters while living in Bad Homberg, Germany, between 1972-1974. 

Our collection also includes British Brasses given to the seminary by Miriam and Eugene C. Jaberg ’54, emeritus professor of communication, and Gayle Graham Yates and Wilson Yates, emeritus professor of religion, society and the arts, 1967-2005.

Galleries are open to the public and generally available for viewing when classes are in session on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, and 9:00 AM-5:00 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays. Guided group tours of exhibits in the gallery in the Bigelow Chapel can be arranged by calling 651.255.6137.