The Society was founded as the Cambridge University Association of Brass Collectors in 1887. Seven years later the name was changed to the Monumental Brass Society. Early research into brasses focused chiefly on English brasses of the medieval and early modern periods. Today, however, the field is much wider. Chronologically, it extends to brasses of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and geographically to those of Continental Europe.
Incised slabs are also the subject of growing interest.
Areas of current research include the artistic context of brasses, workshop organisation, and the self-image of the commemorated. To encourage the appreciation of brasses, indents of lost brasses and incised slabs by publications, lectures and meetings. To endeavour to ensure the better preservation of monumental brasses, indents of lost brasses and incised slabs. To promote the study of brasses, indents of lost brasses and incised slabs, and to encourage and disseminate original research. To record lost and stolen brasses and those remaining in private hands.