BATTLE OF BAYEUX
French town’s threat to block loan of tapestry to UK after offer by Macron
THE town of Bayeux has vowed it will not hand over its famous tapestry unconditionally after France’s president offered to lend the 11th century masterpiece to Britain.
Theresa May yesterday hailed the prospect of the priceless artwork being displayed in the UK as ‘very significant’.
But the mayor of the Normandy town said the tapestry would only make the trip across the Channel under ‘certain conditions’.
Local officials yesterday said the masterpiece would not cross the Channel before 2023, that it would only be for a matter of months, and it would happen in winter when fewer tourists visit Bayeux.
Bayeux Museum even suggested Britain might be required to ‘collaborate’ on the costs of restoration and upkeep.
The 230ft-long tapestry depicts events leading up to the Norman conquest of England and culminates in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It is widely believed to have been stitched by Anglo-Saxon women in England and then taken to France. The earliest written reference to it is an inventory from Bayeux Cathedral in 1476.
In a statement put out by Bayeux Museum, where the tapestry is on permanent display, mayor Patrick Gomont said: ‘The most important thing is the conservation of the work. The town, the services of the state, are open to the loan but on certain conditions.’
He also hinted the UK should contribute to its upkeep, telling a press conference: ‘The tapestry was weaved in England, it would be incredible for it to be restored in the land where it was created.’
He said there were still lots of ‘hypotheses’ that need to be answered. Asked if the town of Bayeux could block the move to lend the tapestry, he said: ‘We can oppose it.’
The mayor added in an interview with local media: ‘Our British friends really want it. We are not opposed but all of the conditions still need to be defined.’
Although French president Emmanuel Macron’s office said the tapestry would not be moved until 2020, Bayeux yesterday said the earliest date would be 2023.
The British Museum in London is regarded as the favourite to host the masterpiece in Britain.
Mrs May will discuss the loan when she meets Mr Macron today. A spokesman for his office said: ‘This loan is under consideration, because there will be several months of restoration work at the Museum of Bayeux.
‘It will not be before 2020 because it is an extremely fragile cultural treasure which will be subject to major restoration work before being transported anywhere.’