British art legend David Hockney has recently dubbed plans to bring the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry from France to the British Museum “madness.” In a Wednesday opinion piece for the Independent, he warned, “Some things are too precious to take a risk with … it is fragile, which makes it madness to think of moving it.” 🎨😱
The tapestry, nearly 70 metres of embroidered history depicting the Norman conquest, is set to go on display in London later this year. While the idea of this epic cultural crossover is exciting, Hockney argues the stakes are just too high.
British Museum Responds
Nicholas Cullinan, the museum’s director, reassured the public that their “world-leading conservation and collections team” handles thousands of loans annually — from ancient frescoes to delicate textiles older than the Bayeux Tapestry itself. “Their condition and safety is always of paramount importance,” he said.
Now, art aficionados and heritage buffs face a tough question: should we risk moving this fragile masterpiece for a blockbuster show, or let it remain rooted where it belongs? 🤔
Reference(s):
UK artist Hockney warns moving Bayeux Tapestry would be 'madness'
cgtn.com
