Can This Woman Revive the Bayeux Tapestry Amid Her Hatred for Chain-Mail?

Mia Hansson is on a mission to complete a full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry before the original goes on display at the British Museum in September 2024. The tapestry, nearly 1,000 years old, narrates the Norman conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings. As Hansson races against her deadline, she meticulously crafts her version, aiming for completion by October 2027, coinciding with the tapestry's return to France for its 1,000th anniversary.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Mia Hansson is currently immersed in her ambitious project of recreating the Bayeux Tapestry. With the original set to be displayed at the British Museum in September 2024, her work is intensifying. Having spent the last nine and a half years on this endeavor, she is determined to finish her replica by October 2027, the same year the tapestry returns to its home in Bayeux, France. This timeline is significant, marking not only the tapestry’s return but also the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror's birth.

Key takeaways

Mia Hansson is creating a full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, which is nearly 1,000 years old.
The original tapestry will be displayed at the British Museum from September 2024.
Hansson aims to complete her replica by October 2027, coinciding with the tapestry's return to France.
She began her project in 2016 and currently works at a pace of 6m (20ft) per year.
The original tapestry features only seven colours, all of which Hansson is replicating.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline leading to the current situation regarding the Bayeux Tapestry and Mia Hansson's replica:

2016: Mia Hansson begins her replica project, aiming for authenticity in every stitch.
September 2024: The original Bayeux Tapestry will be displayed at the British Museum, as part of a cultural exchange.
October 2027: Hansson aims to complete her replica by this date, coinciding with the tapestry’s return to the Bayeux Museum for its 1,000th anniversary.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recently, Mia has revealed her determination to finish her replica by October 2027, inspired by the impending display of the original tapestry. She is currently working on a detailed scene that has presented unique challenges and sparked sleepless nights due to its complexity.

What was already established

Since starting her project in 2016, Mia has consistently worked to create an authentic stitch-by-stitch replica of the tapestry. Her dedication has led her to produce 55m (180ft) of the tapestry, with approximately 13.7m (45ft) remaining. The original tapestry's significance as a historical document narrating the events of the Norman conquest has been well-documented over the years.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The display of the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum will attract numerous visitors, enhancing cultural tourism in London. This influx may impact local businesses, hotels, and restaurants, as tourists flock to see this historical artefact.

Businesses and jobs

As a result of the tapestry's display, local businesses may see a surge in demand. The cultural exchange could also prompt job creation within the museum and surrounding areas, as they prepare for the influx of visitors and associated events.

Policy and regulation

The cultural exchange surrounding the Bayeux Tapestry may lead to increased discussions about art preservation and cultural heritage within the UK government. It highlights the importance of international collaborations in preserving history and sharing it with the public.

Numbers that matter

70m: Length of the original Bayeux Tapestry.
1,000: Years since the tapestry was created, marking a significant historical milestone.
55m: Length of the tapestry that Mia has completed so far.
13.7m: Length remaining for Mia to finish her replica.
£1m: Estimated value of Mia's completed replica.

Definitions and jargon buster

Bayeux Tapestry: An embroidered cloth nearly 70m long, depicting the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
Embroidery: The art of decorating fabric using a needle and thread or yarn to create designs.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Mia will continue to work on the intricate details of her current section, focusing on the English shield wall scene. This will require precision and attention to detail as she navigates challenges in her stitching.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the display date for the original tapestry approaches, Mia’s work will likely become more intense. She may also engage in promotional activities linked to her upcoming book, which provides resources for embroidery enthusiasts.

Signals to watch

Completion of Mia's current section.
Updates from the British Museum regarding the exhibition details.
Public interest and attendance figures as the display date approaches.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with local cultural events related to the tapestry’s display.
Explore embroidery as a hobby or art form, inspired by Mia’s dedication.
Visit the British Museum to see the original tapestry.

Don’t

Miss the opportunity to learn about the historical significance of the tapestry.
Underestimate the dedication and skill involved in embroidery.
Neglect to support local businesses during the influx of tourists.

Checklist

Research the history of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Plan a visit to the British Museum during the exhibition.
Consider trying your hand at embroidery.
Follow updates on Mia's progress and upcoming book release.
Stay informed about cultural events related to the tapestry.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Mia Hansson is committed to completing her replica by 2027, there are uncertainties regarding her ability to meet this deadline, particularly given the complexity of the scenes she is working on. Additionally, the financial implications of creating a display case for her work and the future of her replica remain uncertain. The market for such artwork can be unpredictable, and while a £1m price tag has been suggested, it is subject to change based on interest and demand.

Bottom line

Mia Hansson's dedication to creating a full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry highlights the importance of preserving historical narratives through art. With the original tapestry set to be displayed in London, her work not only adds to the cultural dialogue but also offers a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and the public to engage with history. As the timeline progresses, both Mia's journey and the tapestry's impact on cultural tourism in the UK will be significant.

FAQs

What is the Bayeux Tapestry?

The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth that tells the story of the Norman conquest of England in 1066, measuring nearly 70m in length.

When will the Bayeux Tapestry be displayed in London?

The original Bayeux Tapestry will be displayed at the British Museum in September 2024 as part of a cultural exchange.

How long has Mia Hansson been working on her replica?

Mia Hansson has been working on her full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry since 2016, dedicating over nine years to this intricate project.