The Bayeux Tapestry by Mark Cottle

Arts Society talk on the Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry, “one of the most enchanting pieces of narrative art in existence” (Talbot Rice), is a unique and magnificent survival from a time when wall-hangings of all kinds were common among the wealthy and powerful. Like a Viking Saga, it narrates the heroic tale of William’s invasion and battle at Hastings in graphic detail, real energy and on a grand scale. The style and quality of the needlework place it, by general consent, as English – a product of a long tradition of high quality needlework known throughout Europe as Opus Anglicanum.

The aim of the lecture is twofold: firstly, to demonstrate the artistic achievement of a magnificent work of art and secondly, to place it in the context of its time – who created it? How and where was it created? Who commissioned it and why?