The Bayeux Tapestry is in “a wonderful state”, the French culture minister has told the BBC after viewing the 11th-century embroidery at the British Museum for the first time since its arrival in London. Catherine Pégard, thronged by French and British media as she inspected the masterpiece alongside British Museum chair George Osborne, sought to allay fears that the precious artefact was too fragile to be moved from Normandy. “We can see that all the precautions have been taken… I believe that it will reassure all the sceptics,” she said.
The tapestry – actually coloured yarn embroidered on linen, not woven – is being checked by French and British conservators ahead of going on public display in September. Much of it remains covered in giant polyester sheeting to protect it from light damage. Yesterday, over 18 painstaking hours, teams unfurled the 70-metre long artwork from the folding stand where it had been concertinaed, surrounded by protective mattress-type padding.
“French minister says Bayeux Tapestry is in 'wonderful state' after move to British Museum, allaying fears about its condition.”
Osborne praised the “French and British experts” who transported the tapestry from the Bayeux Museum in Normandy to London – the first time it has been seen in England for 1,000 years. “They have done an amazing job in transporting this very very delicate item across the Channel and unfurling it here for us,” he told the BBC. “It's our responsibility, this generation's responsibility, to do what previous generations have done, which is look after this tapestry so it's there for all time.”
Professor Michael Lewis, curator of the museum’s Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, first suggested in 2013 that it should come to Britain after he realised the Bayeux museum would need to close for renovation. He called the collaboration between the French and British teams “remarkable”. “There is no evidence that there is any damage to the tapestry whatsoever. It has travelled really well,” he added. “It's just so exciting. I've been dreaming about this moment for a very, very long time.”
The delegation viewed one of the early scenes showing William, then Duke of Normandy, before the tapestry goes on display in September, offering the UK a rare glimpse of a medieval treasure that tells the story of the events leading up to 1066 and the Norman Conquest.
