Bayeux Tapestry

Bayeux Tapestry. The most famous of all pieces of needlework (actually an embroidery rather than a tapestry), depicting William the Conqueror's successful invasion of England in 1066 and the events that led up to it. It was probably commissioned by William's half-brother Bishop Odo of Bayeux (who has a prominent role in the story shown), within a few years of the conquest, and it was almost certainly made in England, at this time famous for embroidery. The tapestry is worked in eight different colours of wool (used decoratively rather than naturalistically) on a plain linen ground. It is made up of eight pieces of linen joined together, with a total length of almost 70 m (230 ft); the concluding end is damaged and some scenes are lost. The average height is about 50 cm (20 in). The narrative is arranged in a continuous horizontal line of action, one scene merging into another without any vertical division. A running text in Latin provides a commentary, and a border extends above and below the main scenes; these borders contain mainly decorative elements but also elements of sub-plot. Stylistically the tapestry has much in common with English illumination of the period. The drawing is clear, vivid, and full of action and the composition leads on skilfully from one incident to the next. Considering its great length it is remarkably unified, suggesting close supervision by the overall designer. In addition to being a unique and highly impressive work of art, it is an immensely important historical document, containing a wealth of information on topics ranging from shipbuilding to fashionable clothes.

The tapestry is first recorded in the 15th century, when it hung in Bayeux Cathedral, and engravings of it were first published in 1739. During the French Revolution it narrowly escaped destruction. In 1842 it was placed on permanent public display, and after having various unsatisfactory homes (including the town hall and the municipal library), it is now housed in a purpose-built museum, the Musée de la Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde. (The Queen Matilda referred to is William the Conqueror's wife, who according to an old local tradition made the Tapestry.)