About
The Bayeux Tapestry is not only famous as the earliest pictorial representation of the events leading to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 – the last time that England was successfully conquered – but also as a rare survival of 11th century embroidery.
In this talk, Michael Lewis, Curator of the British Museum’s Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, will introduce both aspects. Besides talking through the Tapestry’s story, he will highlight how it was created, the people behind its production, and why they made it.
Please note that this lecture will not be recorded.
Key information
Who is the lecture for?
All are welcome.
How do I attend?
This event will take place in person at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
What days/times do I attend?
Thursday 26 November 2026, 18:30 – 20:00
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Lecture up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date. This lecture requires a minimum number of enrolments to run.
What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
No refunds or cancellations, unless cancelled by the School.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Lecturer Biography
Michael Lewis is Curator of the British Museum’s Bayeux Tapestry exhibition. Formerly, he managed the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) as Head of Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the BM. Prior to that, he worked as a Curator at the National Maritime Museum (1997-2000) and then for the PAS since 2000, first as a Finds Liaison Officer (in Kent), then its Outreach Officer (2001-3), Deputy Head (2003-15) and Head (2015-25). He is also a Visiting Professor in archaeology and social humanities at the universities of Exeter, Reading and Helsinki, with a particular interest in medieval small finds; he is co-investigator on the AHRC-funded Medieval Ritual Landscape project (2022-6).
Michael is best known for his work on the Bayeux Tapestry. It was the topic of both his MA and PhD theses, the latter exploring the Archaeological Authority of the Bayeux Tapestry (awarded 2004). In 2008, he co-organised an international conference on the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, published as The Bayeux Tapestry: new approaches (2011). Since then, he has written several books, including The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry (Hb 2021, Pd 2024, 2026) with Dave Musgrove, as well as many articles. In 2013, he joined the Bayeux Tapestry scientific committee, which has played a role in advising on the interpretation and display of the Tapestry at the Bayeux Museum (opening in 2027).
