In a dramatic intervention, one of Britain's most celebrated artists has launched a fierce critique against plans to bring the historic Bayeux Tapestry to the UK, labelling the proposed loan "madness" and a reckless gamble with an irreplaceable treasure.
A 'Reckless' Gamble With History
Writing exclusively for The Independent, David Hockney has slammed the British Museum's project to transport the fragile 1,000-year-old embroidery from its home in Normandy, France, for a nine-month exhibition. The artist, whose career spans over eight decades, described moving the 70-metre-long medieval relic as "too big a risk" to take.
The tapestry, which depicts 58 scenes of the Norman Conquest of 1066, has been on display in Bayeux for nearly a millennium. Hockney argued it has survived wars and political upheaval only to now face an "unnecessary conservation ordeal" driven by vanity. "While moving the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK might have vanity and symbolic educational value, the physical and environmental risks are substantial," he wrote.
Substantial Risks of 'Irreversible Damage'
Hockney detailed the specific dangers the priceless artefact would face. He warned that any movement of the wool embroidery threads, which are backed on fragile linen, could lead to tearing, stitch loss, and fabric distortion. The artist emphasised that the work's survival depends on the tightly controlled conditions in Bayeux, and that exposure to sudden changes in temperature, humidity, or light during transit and display could cause fibre contraction, expansion, or colour fading.
The UK government has reportedly insured the tapestry for £800 million for the duration of the loan, a figure that underscores its immense value but does little, in Hockney's view, to mitigate the physical peril. He questioned the British Museum's motives, accusing the institution of wanting to "boast of numbers of visitors" and asking, "Is it really worth it? I think not."
Controversy Amid Historic Cultural Exchange
The loan, agreed as the tapestry's purpose-built home in Bayeux undergoes renovation, marks a historic first after three previous unsuccessful British requests. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hailed the artefact as a "unique treasure," while British Museum director Nicholas Cullinan called it "one of the most important and unique cultural artefacts in the world."
The arrangement is part of a cultural exchange that will see the British Museum loan the Sutton Hoo collection and the Lewis Chessmen to France. However, the plan has ignited significant controversy. More than 40,000 people signed a petition in August to stop the loan, with art historian Didier Rykner also voicing serious conservation concerns.
Hockney's intervention adds a powerful voice to a growing debate about the movement and ownership of culturally significant objects. It comes as the British Museum faces persistent criticism over its retention of other disputed items like the Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta Stone. The artist has urged that the tapestry remain in France and for a "proper debate" to be held, stating firmly: "I am not afraid to speak up for art. It is something that has defined my life."
In response to the concerns, the British Museum has stated that its conservation team is experienced in handling such material and is working closely with French colleagues on the display plans.
