The Bayeux tapestry is a long story with a very long history

The fragile nature of textiles makes the existence of the Bayeux tapestry a truly amazing reality. It is generally agreed that Bishop Odo was the architect who commissioned the Bayeux Tapestry. It was designed and constructed reasonably soon after the battle in 1066. The Bayeux tapestry was made without any shadow of doubt to celebrate and record for posterity the events leading up to the battle and its aftermath. It is an exceptional piece of work measuring more than seventy meters in length. It is believed it was longer by as much as seven or eight meters at one time. A large section is believed to have been lost.

The making of the Bayeux tapestry is a bit unique in that it is not a usual woven tapestry. It is really embroidery or a work of very fine needlework as opposed to a woven picture. It contains as many as six hundred and twenty three humans and fifty-five dogs in the panel. There are two hundred and two horses, forty-one ships and over five hundred mythical creatures and beasts. To study the details of the work, you unravel the story and actions of a great battle. The missing meters at the end are believed to portray the English winners of the battle and were removed by the French.

The Bayeux tapestry is amazing in it’s story and in it’s longevity. It is a valuable piece of art history as well as a record of an important historical event. Although the missing meters are a great loss, they are a part of the pieces history.

Author Notes:

Laurie Simpson contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.tapestry-tapestry.com. Tapestries make elegant gifts as table runners, pillows, throws and wall hangings found in traditional and medieval prints.