Controversy over Macron's decision to display the ancient Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum as an act of cultural diplomacy

The tale of William the Conqueror's epic, embroidered in wool on linen, one of humanity's cultural treasures, must soon begin its temporary return journey to England almost a millennium after leaving it. The loan of the famous Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum, a significant gesture by Emmanuel Macron to symbolize the reunion and the strong relationship between France and its neighboring country after Brexit, is generating great controversy due to fears that the unique piece could suffer irreparable damage during handling during transport.

The tapestry is believed to have been made by English embroiderers in the 11th century, shortly after the Norman Conquest (1066), the last successful invasion of the British Isles, a pivotal historical event that every child on the other side of the English Channel learns about. However, there are some obscure points about its exact origin that numerous studies have failed to clarify.

The 70-metre-long 11th-century cloth will go on display at the British Museum in September 2026.

The tapestry was brought to France in the years following William the Conqueror's accession to the English throne. It remained for centuries in Bayeux Cathedral (Normandy), mostly kept in a wooden box and largely forgotten. Napoleon Bonaparte had it moved to the Louvre for display for a few months, between 1803 and 1804. The fabric spent another time in the Parisian museum in 1944, in honor of the Allied troops who had landed to liberate France from the Nazis.

The embroidery measures 70 meters long by 50 centimeters wide. It weighs 350 kilos. The 58 scenes resemble an old movie film. They are extraordinarily precise. 626 characters, 202 horses and mules, and 41 ships appear. King Harold II is seen mortally struck by an arrow in the eye during the decisive Battle of Hastings. The piece has been analyzed by historians from every imaginable perspective. Nearly a hundred penises attached to human and animal figures have even been counted.

The museum that has housed the tapestry since 1983 received 429,000 visitors last year. It is one of the area's biggest tourist attractions, along with the Allied landing beaches, such as the legendary Omaha Beach, and the American Military Cemetery.

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The last restoration of the canvas dates back to 1870. Five years ago, experts carried out a thorough inspection and counted some 10,000 holes and 24,200 stains.

The tapestry's transfer to England has been discussed for years while the Bayeux Museum undergoes a complete renovation. Macron officially confirmed this during his state visit to the United Kingdom on July 8. The embroidery will initially be on display at the British Museum in London from September 2026 to June 2027.

“The tapestry will be removed from the display case during the month of September,” Fanny Garbe, spokesperson for the Normandy city museum, explained to La Vanguardia . “It will then be folded like an accordion and placed in a box. We will take every measure to minimize risks. From now on, the tapestry will be displayed horizontally, with a few degrees of inclination, rather than vertically, so that it suffers as little as possible. It will be displayed elongated, not in a U-shape.”

Experts have strongly advised against its transfer due to the piece's extreme fragility. An online petition is being held on the Change.org platform, which, as of mid-afternoon yesterday, had already garnered more than 50,000 signatures. The initiative was initiated by art historian Didier Rykner, who considers it "an arbitrary decision" that "disregards the facts." "We solemnly ask the President of the Republic to abandon this project," the petition emphasizes. "This loan will be a true crime against heritage."

Critics of the loan say the preparations and the fact that the British Museum is an institution with the highest standards in heritage conservation have been of no use. In April, a simulation of the removal of the display case was carried out to identify potential problems and develop technical solutions.

Serious damage to the fabric would be a severe blow to Macron in the final stretch of his term.

The temporary transfer of the Jewel of Bayeux to London must also be understood as a large-scale diplomatic operation, intended to strengthen bilateral ties after a few difficult years due to Brexit and the presence in Downing Street of insolent Conservative prime ministers like Boris Johnson. Paris and London have been at loggerheads over fishing rights and the incessant flow of small boats through the Pas de Calais.

The war in Ukraine has served to close ranks. France and the United Kingdom are nuclear powers, with armies seasoned in foreign operations, and hold permanent seats on the UN Security Council. They have realized that their political and military collaboration is essential in the current geopolitical situation. Dialogue between Emmanuel Macron and Labour's Keir Starmer is much more fluid and cordial, to the point that both countries are leading the troop deployment plan in the event of a possible ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

These arguments do not convince those opposed to the tapestry's return to London. They believe that diplomacy cannot afford to jeopardize the treasure. It is unlikely, however, that the signature campaign will change Macron's mind. His word to the British is at stake. But if, unfortunately, the tapestry were to suffer serious damage, the French president, with his already severely weakened political authority, would suffer another severe blow in the final stretch of his term.