LONDON: The British Museum has banned visitors from taking pictures of the Bayeux Tapestry in order to keep the crowds flowing through an unprecedented London exhibition, a spokesperson confirmed on Monday.

Excited visitors have been flocking to see the nearly 1,000-year-old artwork since the start of the sold-out exhibition earlier this month.

“There has been enormous interest in viewing the tapestry, and our priority is to ensure that all visitors have the best experience possible,” a spokesperson said.

“In order to do this, we have made the decision to restrict photography while people are moving along the length of the tapestry.” The 11th-century wonder of the medieval world offers an insight into life in England both before and after the invasion by William the Conqueror’s Norman army.

The unprecedented loan from France, the result of years of diplomacy and set to last until next July, has been hailed as a symbol of renewed cross-Channel ties following the rancour of Brexit. Depicting the 1066 Battle of Hastings, the 70-metre-long (230-foot-long) tapestry has shadowy origins.

It is widely thought to have been made in England almost 1,000 years ago before being transferred to Bayeux in France. Under the visitors’ guidance section on the British Museum’s website it states that the sight-seers move through the exhibition in a one-way system for a visit that lasts “approximately 40 minutes”.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2026