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Bayeux Tapestry, Bishop Odo of Bayeux, brother of Duke William of Normandy, spurs on the Norman army during the Battle of Hastings in 1066. 11th century.
For the first time in almost one thousand years, the 70-meter-long Bayeux “Tapestry” (in truth an embroidery!), has returned from France to England, where it was made. This ARTscapades Study Morning, led by V&A Medieval course director Dr. Sally Dormer, complements the British Museum’s Bayeux Tapestry landmark exhibition, open until July 2027.
The Bayeux “Tapestry” narrates the events that prompted, and culminated in, the Battle of Hastings, fought on 14 October 1066, between two rival claimants to the English throne; Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex and brother-in-law of King Edward the Confessor, and William, Duke of Normandy.
Study Morning includes two lectures, Q&A and a short break. Tickets £20
Lecture One: In addition to thinking about materials and techniques, the first lecture will outline the succession struggle as chronicled on the “Tapestry” and explore what it reveals about diverse aspects of mid-11th-century life, including feasting, warfare, hairstyles, coronations, and attitudes to women.
Lecture Two: The second session will grapple with some of the tantalizing, as-yet unresolved, questions associated with this astonishing survival. Who commissioned it? Who made it, where, and when? Was it unique? Where did it hang? Who saw it? How do the, occasionally lewd, border scenes relate to the main narrative? And is the man apparently removing an arrow from his eye, really Harold Godwinson?
The Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition is at the British Museum from 10 September 2026 to 11 July 2027.
Bayeux Tapestry, Harold Godwinson is killed. 11th century.
This is an online event hosted on Zoom which can be watched live with Q&A, or on-demand for one month afterwards. You will receive your link to access the event in your email confirmation and the on-demand link after the event ends.