The 1,000 year old Bayeux Tapestry has sparked huge public interest in Britain after going on display at the British Museum in London for the first time in centuries.
The sell out exhibition opened on Thursday, attracting visitors who remembered studying the medieval artwork in school. The 70 metre long tapestry depicts the events leading to the Norman conquest of England in 1066 and the Battle of Hastings.
Visitors have been given 40 minutes to view the embroidery from a specially designed glass case before moving closer to examine its detailed stitching. Museum staff have also joined the excitement by wearing medieval style costumes.
The exhibition has generated widespread interest, with newspapers publishing special guides and tickets selling out within hours. The pub opposite the museum has even temporarily renamed itself “The Beer Tapestry.”
France loaned the artwork to Britain while its permanent home in Bayeux undergoes refurbishment. In return, French museums will display Britain’s Sutton Hoo collection of Anglo Saxon artefacts.
The first batch of tickets generated about £2.5 million in sales, while another release is expected in October. The exhibition will remain at the British Museum for 10 months.
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