Secrets in Tapestry

Anyone who embroiders and loves history like me has heard of the Bayeux Tapestry. An embroidered length of linen that is 20 inches wide and nearly 230 feet long, the tapestry dates back to the 11th century, within a few years of when William, Duke of Normandy, invaded England and became king. Technically it's not a tapestry, but an embroidered cloth, but everyone just calls it that, so okay. Tubi has a free to watch documentary about the conservation and research being done on this marvelous and mysterious artifact, so of course I jumped right on that.

The documentary is absolutely fascinating. I had no idea the French and other researchers were actively researching the tapestry, or what they've been able to accompish. Seeing the tapestry in its original colors was stunning. So was the fact that these folks have managed to save a cloth that is basically a thousand years old, and one of the oldest embroidered works still in existence and intact.

The only down side for me is that we'll likely never know who made the tapestry. It's probable that a group of women (perhaps nuns) were paid to create it, and because women and their artistry weren't respected or valued (and still aren't) they were never credited by the people at the time. Considering what a remarkable achievement the tapestry was for the era, that's a genuine shame.

Highly recommend this documentary if you're interested in the Bayeux Tapestry and you want to learn more about what scientists and researchers are doing with it to uncover more of its secrets.

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