Online Petition Against Lending the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum Accumulates 45,000 Signatures
The Bayeux Tapestry, a stitched narrative on a linen canvas 70 meters long and nearly a thousand years old, has been at the centre of a heated debate in recent months. The tapestry, currently exhibited at a museum in Normandy, is being considered for a loan to the British Museum from September 2026 to June 2027.
The petition to prevent this loan was initiated by French art historian Didier Rykner, director of the online magazine la Tribune de l'Art. By Wednesday, August 20, the petition had nearly 45,000 signatures. Rykner has expressed concerns about the conservation and transportation of the tapestry, but has not received a response from the Drac of Normandy, the Ministry of Culture, or the restorers.
Cécile Binet, advisor for museums at the Drac of Normandy, stated that the tapestry is too fragile for long-distance transportation. Specialists in tapestry, restorers, and conservators have echoed these concerns, citing risks of tears, loss of material, and vibrations during transportation.
The loan is in exchange for medieval pieces from the Sutton Hoo archaeological treasure. However, Didier Rykner has labelled the decision to send the tapestry to London as purely political and diplomatic. Two British historians are currently debating the number of penises depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry, adding to the controversy.
Despite these concerns, neither the Drac of Normandy, the Ministry of Culture, nor the restorers have responded to AFP's requests for comment. The feasibility study for transporting the tapestry to London was carried out by restorers in March 2022, but the results remain confidential.
The Bayeux Tapestry tells the story of the conquest of England in 1066 by William, Duke of Normandy. Dating back to the end of the 11th century, it is a significant historical artefact and a national treasure of France. The petition asks President Emmanuel Macron to abandon the project of loaning the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum.
As the debate continues, the fate of the Bayeux Tapestry remains uncertain. Whether it will be loaned to the British Museum or remain in Normandy remains to be seen. The petition and the concerns of specialists serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving this priceless piece of history for future generations.
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