Brass rubbings at Patonga

The 13th, 14th and 15th centuries fashion for commissioning a full-length likeness engraved in brass can be seen at the Bakehouse Gallery, Patonga.

Brass rubbings from many of the more inaccessible Gothic tombs were made by Elaine Odgens Norling, back in the 1960s.

"The collection on display is a mere fraction of the richness of tradition to be found set into the stone floors of churches and cathedrals throughout England," said Robin Norling.

"These works are to be admired for their marvelous simplicity of line which is built up into pattern and texture to represent chain mail, brocade, lace and even designer stubble.

"One's station in life was skillfully captured with an economy of means, fashionable attributes for having made it in medieval society are treated with a design sensibility that not only captures history, but makes them wonderfully decorative objects."

Parallel to this exhibition are the wire sculptures of Jeff Buckley.

"They are traceries of line which echo the simplicity of the Gothic brasses, like traceries of medieval stained glass windows (without the glass)," said Mr Norling.

"They are simple and elegant, with a hint of the linear fun of a Picasso drawing: simply playful."

Mr Buckley trained at Charles Sturt University and Meadowbank TAFE where he did a course in artistic welding.

The exhibition is Mr Buckley's first exhibition on the Central Coast.

The Patonga Bakehouse Gallery is open Sundays from 11am to 3pm and at other times by appointment.

For more information contact 4379 1102

Press release, July 4 Robin Norling, Patonga Bakehouse Gallery