More than 40,000 sign petition to block Bayeux Tapestry’s loan to Britain
Why thousands are trying to stop France’s Bayeux Tapestry loan
- Over 40,000 people have signed a petition opposing the proposed loan of the Bayeux Tapestry from France to the British Museum in London.
- Art historian Didier Rykner launched the petition, expressing concerns that moving the fragile Medieval relic, which already has tears and holes, could cause irreparable damage.
- The loan was offered by French President Emmanuel Macron as part of an art exchange, despite the tapestry's delicate condition and its history of only two previous moves, by Napoleon and during the Nazi occupation.
- The British Museum stated its conservation and collections management team is experienced in handling such materials and is collaborating with French colleagues on the tapestry's display.
- The Bayeux Museum is scheduled to close for two years for renovations, necessitating the tapestry's temporary rehousing, with the French Ministry of Culture responsible for coordinating its transfer.