Emmanuel Macron will travel to London on Wednesday, September 2nd to inaugurate the exhibition dedicated to the Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century work depicting the conquest of England by William the Conqueror, which he himself had decided to loan exceptionally to the British Museum in 2025.
A trip intended as a Franco-British symbol
Accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron, the French president, described by his entourage as "very eager" to see the artwork displayed in optimal conditions, is also scheduled to have an initial in-depth discussion with the new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and meet with King Charles III. According to an advisor at the Élysée Palace, this inauguration represents "a particularly significant moment desired by the President of the Republic for the Franco-British relationship."
For the first time in its history, the 70-meter linen embroidery will be presented flat rather than suspended vertically as it has been in Bayeux for decades, a scenography intended to allow for a better understanding of the scale of the work according to the British Museum.
A delicate transfer despite the fragility of the artwork
This move, kept secret until its arrival in London on July 10, had raised concerns among several experts and advocates of French heritage, worried about the possible irreversible damage to a tapestry already weakened by nearly 10,000 holes and some thirty unrepaired tears. The packing and unpacking operation, carried out under tight security by dozens of professionals, ultimately resulted in no alteration to the artwork.
The tapestry will be on display at the British Museum until July 11, 2027, before returning to France to be reinstalled in the new gallery of the Bayeux Museum, which is currently closed for renovations.
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