Tapestry links with Bayeux
THE link between New Ross and Bayeux in France was strengthened when the Mayor of Bayeux visited the Ros Tapestry centre on the quay recently.
The party from Bayeux comprised Mayor Patrick Gomont and his wife Martine and the Deputy Mayor Christine Cabon-Delecroix. They were accompanied by Cllr Malcolm Byrne from Gorey Municipal District council who had invited the Bayeux delegation as the North Wexford town is twinned with the Normandy town of the Calvados region. The three visitors were welcomed to the tapestry by Chairperson Martin Lawlor, Anto Rogers, Maureen Clarkin and her daughter Eimear who dressed as Isabel de Clare for the occasion. They were also joined by Cllr Willie Fitzharris Chairperson of the JFK Trust and Sean Connick, its CEO. The visit included a tour of our Stitcher’s workroom and the mayor was in awe at the light box and how much work was involved in tracing the painting onto the linen before the work could be started.
Marion Coady of the Ros Tapestry said: ‘It was very significant for us as the Bayeux Tapestry detailing the Norman Invasion of England after the Battle of Hastings in 1066 was the inspiration for the Ros Tapestry which details the Norman Invasion of Ireland in 1169. Bayeux is twinned with Gorey, hence the visit.’
Ms Coady issued an invitation to anyone from Bayeux coming on twinning visits to Gorey to come and visit the centre. ‘ The Mayor was very taken with the similarities between the Bayeux and ourselves, both tell the Norman story, both are hand embroidered rather than traditional woven tapestries and both have borders expanding on the main panels. They indicated that they would certainly visit us again in future twinning trips.’