Full Description
The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most significant surviving objects in European history. This book celebrates its unique loan to the British Museum and will be the essential volume about the Tapestry for generations to come.
The Bayeux Tapestry is a unique historical artwork almost 70 metres long, which tells the story of the events leading to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by William, Duke of Normandy. Its account of the eleventh century in England and France is like no other, revealing details from civil and military architecture to armour, seafaring and everyday life. Featuring a full-colour reproduction of the Tapestry, this beautiful new book allows the reader to follow the narrative visually, while texts from international experts unpick the importance of the work in understanding this pivotal point in European history.
The latest research into the Tapestry is presented across five chapters that explore its patronage, design and production, its status as an iconic work of art, and its depictions of daily life. Focused profiles woven throughout introduce key figures from the world of the Tapestry, offering moments of personal connection within the sweeping story.
This publication marks the historic moment of the loan of the Tapestry to the British Museum, the first time it has been displayed outside of France in almost 1,000 years.
Contents
Contents
Preface(s)
Director's foreword Cast of characters - Millie Horton-Insch
Introduction - Sue Brunning and Michael Lewis
The Bayeux Tapestry, scene by scene
Chapter 1: Historical context - David Bates
Profile: Edward the Confessor - Tom Licence
Profile: Harold Godwinson - Tom Licence
Profile: William of Normandy - Pierre Bauduin
Chapter 2: Patronage and display - Elizabeth Pastan
Profile: Queen Edith - Pauline Stafford
All information is provisional and subject to change
Chapter 3: Design and production - Alexandra Lester-Makin and Gale R. Owen-Crocker
Profile: Ælfgva/Emma - Elisabeth van Houts
Chapter 4: Artistic context - Richard Gameson
Odo, Bishop of Bayeux - David Bates
Chapter 5: Everyday life - Martin Bostal and Luc Bourgeois
Profile: Minor characters Michael Lewis
Epilogue: The 'afterlife' of the Bayeux Tapestry - Lloyd de Beer, Clémentine Paquier-Berthelot and Naomi Speakman
Notes, Select bibliography
Acknowledgements, Credits, Index
