The announcement of the Bayeux tapestry loan by Emmanuel Macron was widely relayed by the international press, notably English -speaking, as well as by several British cultural personalities. Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, said: “Bayeux tapestry is one of the most iconic pieces of art ever produced in the United Kingdom. »» Nicholas Cullinan, director of British Museum, added: “Bayeux tapestry is one of the most important and unique cultural objects in the world. It illustrates the deep ties between Great Britain and France and fascinated people from all walks of life and all generations. »»
President Emmanuel Macron announced on July 8 the signing of a Bayeux tapestry loan agreement at the British Museum. For the first time in almost nine centuries, the work will be exhibited at the Sainsbury exhibitions Gallery from the most visited museum in the United Kingdom (6.5 million visitors in 2024), accompanied by contemporary-autumn objects 2026 to July 2027.
The tapestry has never left French territory so far. The British room was selected for its advanced conservation devices and its capacity. The loan is made possible by the closure of the Bayeux museum for renovation. In exchange, the United Kingdom will lend the Treasury of Sutton Hoo (7th century), the Lewis chess figurines (12th century) and the Battersea shield (1st century BC).
The United Kingdom had previously requested the loan of embroidery for the coronation of Elisabeth II (1953) and the 900th anniversary of Hastings (1966), but France had declined, invoking reasons of conservation. In 2018, during Brexit negotiations, Macron had proposed a loan, finally adjourned due to the state of degradation of the tapestry. A 2021 report reported tears, folds and holes. Despite dusting and stabilization, its state of conservation continues to arouse concern.
Bayeux tapestry – Scenes 55 & 56 – Duke Guillaume raises his helmet and is recognized on the battlefield of Hastings. Eustache II of Boulogne designates the finger
The Bayeux tapestry, 70 m long, was probably ordered by Bishop Odon de Bayeux, half-brother of Guillaume le Conquérant, for the cathedral of Bayeux (1070-1077), at the time of its construction. No doubt embroidered in Canterbury, she illustrated the conquest of England in 1066 and the battle of Hastings by Guillaume the Conqueror during a war of succession. Registered in the memory register of the world of UNESCO, it is a witness to the founding history of modern England – the Norman influence having profoundly transformed the elite, architecture and language. Embroidery is therefore of major heritage and cultural importance for the English.
This loan is part of the European year of Normans, organized by Normandy during the millennium of the birth of Guillaume the Conqueror. It is accompanied by a Pan-European cultural program (United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Denmark), including exhibitions, conferences, creations-notably a tapestry by artist Hélène Delprat-and the reopening of the Bayeux museum.
The works, which should start in September 2025 to conclude in 2027, will add 115 m² to the museum, will install an inclined table to accommodate the tapestry and modernize the visit route. The budget, estimated at € 38 million, is funded by the State, the Normandy region, Calvados and Bayeux. The programming remains to be confirmed.
