Textiles (11th century Romanesque art/ post-conquest)
Bayeux Tapestry on display at the British Museum from September 2026 to June 2027
For the first time in almost 1,000 years, the Bayeux Tapestry will come back to Britain; a landmark cultural partnership with France while the museum in Normandy is closed for construction
What is the Bayeux Tapestry really all about? A power struggle, dynastic rivalries, broken promises, diplomatic relations in peril, military prowess and the building of a superpower? How was this amazing document in stitch made, when and possibly why? What has been the history of this brilliant but fragile object throughout its life? Its conservation has brought new data to light. How important is this piece of history as an object to foster 'entente-cordiale' and to link nations today?
Biography
Formerly a curator and Print Room Superintendent at the British Museum, is now Art History Education Officer in the Department of Learning & National Partnerships at the Museum. Hilary lectures for British Museum and the Wallace Collection. She was a founding Artistic Director of The Arts Society of North Kent Evening. As a specialist in 17th century art, she has published on Rembrandt and has vast experience of giving gallery talks, of lecturing and of leading art history tours in UK, Europe, New York and Boston. For the Royal Collection Trust, she has guided Special Interest Private Tours of the State Apartments at Buckingham Palace.
Image Harold Godwinson is slain, Bayeux Tapestry Wikimedia Commons