Bayeux - Harold in Normandy Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry is a unique historical record, relating the events leading up to the Norman invasion of England, and culminating in the Battle of Hastings in 1066 between the armies of Harold, King of England, and William, Duke of Normandy. It is a primary source of historical information for the period and has been remarkably well preserved, having had various escapes from destruction on several occasions throughout its nine-hundred year history. The original tapestry is about 68 metres (224 feet) long by 50cm (20) high and is the only masterpiece of its kind in the world. It is generally thought that the tapestry was made in the south of England before 1082, possibly at either Canterbury or Winchester, and thereafter transferred to Bayeux in Normandy, home of Williams half-brother, Odon de Conteville. The tapestry is in fact embroidery on a linen backcloth using wools of various colours. This section of the tapestry depicts Earl Harold who, having undertaken a visit to Normandy under the orders of Edward the Confessor, is unexpectedly captured by the soldiers of Guy, Count of Ponthieu, and is taken to Guys residence at Beaurain. The Latin text reads AD BELREM ET IBI EUM TENUIT which translates [and led him] to Beaurain and kept him there. In recent years, the tapestry has been conserved and housed in a new purpose-built Museum at Bayeux.

Silk screened tapestries are also known as serigraphic tapestries. Each silk-screened tapestry is serigraphed onto irregularly woven fabric (wool, cotton or linen). Considerable labour is required with this process, including hand-painting to finish the details. Silk screen tapestries appear antiqued and aged giving them the look and feel of tapestries that hang in museums today. This tapestry is fully lined incorporating a rod pocket on the back for hanging with an exclusive Heirloom flush-to-wall hanging rod. Alternatively, this tapestry can be hung with a decorative pole of your choice.