70,000 Sign Petition to Keep Bayeux Tapestry in France
70,000 people have now signed a petition in France NOT to have the Bayeux Tapestry controversially moved From France to Britain.
Experts said that the 900 year-old masterpiece, an extraordinary 230 foot-long embroidery depicting the Norman conquest of England in 1066, is far too fragile to be relocated.
The famous tapestry is set to be displayed in London from September 2026 to July 2027 during renovations at the Bayeux Museum in Normandy.
However, it’s been widely reported that experts warn that the tapestry's fragile condition makes it highly susceptible to damage during transport.
Despite its name, the tapestry is not a woven textile but an embroidery, made with coloured wool yarns stitched onto a linen background.
The intricate scenes feature over 600 human figures, 200 horses, and a wide variety of ships, buildings, and everyday objects, offering an unparalleled window into 11th century life, warfare, and culture.
Its sequential panels function like a medieval comic strip, with Latin inscriptions guiding viewers through key moments of the conquest.
From Harold Godwinson’s oath to William the Conqueror’s victory, each scene captures both drama and detail, reflecting the political and cultural tensions of the time.
The Bayeux Tapestry was almost certainly made in Normandy, northern France, around the 1070s, likely commissioned by Bishop Odo, William the Conqueror’s half-brother.
While some earlier theories suggested Canterbury in England, the embroidery style, materials, and political context strongly point to a Norman origin, created to celebrate and legitimise William’s conquest of England.
The controversial move to France
A 2020 study identified over 24,000 stains and 10,000 holes in the fabric, underscoring concerns about its vulnerability.
Art historian Didier Rykner, who initiated the petition, emphasises that any movement could exacerbate existing damage.
He criticises the decision as a "true heritage crime," arguing that the tapestry should not be used for diplomatic purposes.
Philippe Belaval, appointed by Macron to oversee the loan, asserts that the tapestry is not too fragile to transport.
He points to a confidential feasibility study conducted in 2022, which recommended specific handling procedures to mitigate risks.
Belaval also mentions ongoing studies to assess the tapestry's resistance to vibrations during transport.
The French Ministry of Culture, which owns the tapestry, has not publicly commented on the growing opposition.
The loan is part of a broader effort to strengthen Franco-British relations post-Brexit.
The British Museum plans to exhibit the tapestry as a symbol of shared history and cultural exchange.
In a statement, the Bayeux Museum said: “Together, we have developed engineering solutions for its delicate handling, particularly for moving it from the vertical position in which it has been displayed since its first public exhibition in 1842 to a horizontal position for its reinstallation in the new setting.”
Someone jokingly commented on a post saying: “Nothing has ever been temporarily moved to the British Museum........ ask Egypt".”
Despite the controversy, it remains set to be displayed in London from September 2026 to July 2027. Will you be going to see it?
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