Description
To celebrate the return of the Bayeux Tapestry to England for the first time in nearly 1,000 years, the Royal School of Needlework has created three exclusive embroidery kits for the British Museum. Inspired by iconic scenes from this extraordinary 11th Century medieval masterpiece, these limited edition kits are the perfect keepsake for embroidery enthusiasts, history lovers, and visitors to this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition.
The tapestry tells the story of the Norman conquest of England by William, the Duke of Normandy, at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
This design features one of King Harold’s troops, which is believed to be positioned on Battle Ridge in Sussex, England. His role was to forewarn of William I’s advancement from the coast.
The treatment of the chain mail armour on the soldiers has been stitched in various ways on the tapestry. This kit uses stem stitch circles to replicate the dense metal armour, and Bayeux stitch and split stitch circle filling on the shield. The background fabric used in the kit is a closely woven cream linen; this replicates the Bayeux tapestry fabric as much as possible in the fact that it is thought to have been an off-white colour linen originally.
Four shades of 100% British crewel wool similar to those used on the Bayeux are also used in this kit. Three medium toned colours; green, yellow, and terracotta and; one dark tone.
Stitches you will use:
Bayeux Stitch
Split Stitch
Stem Stitch
Chain Stitch
The kit includes:
Instruction Booklet
Linen with printed design
4 x Appleton’s crewel wools
6 inch hoop
Number 22 chenille needles
(You will need embroidery scissors)
Designed by Marg Dier.
Warning: This kit contains a sharp needle, keep away from small children.
Image Courtesy of the Bayeux Museum.
About the British Museum
Founded in 1753, the British Museum was the first national public museum in the world. The collection tells the stories of cultures across the world, from the dawn of human history, over two million years ago, to the present. Objects range from the earliest tools made by humans and remarkable finds from the ancient world to more recent acquisitions from Africa, Oceania and the Americas, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, as well as the national collections of prints and drawings, and coins and medals.