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.
The Off to Pevensey embroidery kit has been inspired by various ships that were launched from France by William I for his invasion of England. This little ship is featured in the background of the main fleet. The tiny circles on the top of the ship are oar holes, and a pennant has been added to the top of the masthead. This fleet crosses the English Channel and lands and disembarks at Pevensey in East Sussex, England.
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 are 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.