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Patrick Wintour likens the British Museum’s loan/swap of the Bayeux tapestry for treasures from Sutton Hoo to France’s 1963 loan of the Mona Lisa to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York as examples of art’s service in international diplomacy (The diplomacy of art: Bayeux tapestry loan shows cultural gifts still matter, 11 July). The example is inauspicious.
While at the Met, the Leonardo was stored in a strongroom overnight. One night, a fire sprinkler malfunctioned and sprayed water over the picture for hours. Fortunately, it was face up and therefore the paint layers were protected by the glass cover. Had it been face down, its panel would have been saturated and warped, with horrendous consequences. The incident was covered up – and was only disclosed (unofficially) three decades later by the ex-Met director Thomas Hoving in his memoir.
Michael Daley
Director, ArtWatch UK
Last year, you published an item about Mia Hansson and the replica of the Bayeux tapestry she was making (Experience, 26 April 2024). I wonder if she has finished it yet?
Tony Meacock
Norwich
I nearly covered myself in my breakfast porridge when I read that the Labour MP Helena Dollimore wants the Bayeux tapestry to be carted around the country like a collection of rolled-up sheets (Call for British Museum to take Bayeux tapestry to ‘1066 country’, 14 July). This is an ancient collection of threads that has survived for so much longer than most items of fabric and it must be treated with care, gentleness and caution. I have misgivings about it leaving its current home for even five minutes, but if the experts think it can travel across the Channel for one visit, then so be it. But one visit it must be, not a travelling circus.
The visit is an opportunity to learn about the events leading up to the battle and perhaps to stop acting as though this country sprang into being in 1066, when it does in fact have a long and fascinating history that connects us to the countries of northern Europe. Spare a thought, though, for the aged fabric and for the embroiderers who worked so hard to make it.
Michelle Gibson
Balsham, Cambridgeshire
