ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

UK Children's Competition to Reimagine Missing Bayeux Tapestry Panel

cultural-heritage · 2026-08-17

In the UK, primary school students are encouraged to participate in the Beyond The Battle competition by creating the missing segment of the Bayeux Tapestry. This initiative is aimed at Key Stage 2 classes (ages 7–11) and promotes an understanding of the tapestry's significance. Art Explora and English Heritage are organizing the event, with resources supplied by embroidery artist Jessica Grady. Classes that place as runners-up will receive funding for a visit to a Norman English Heritage site, while the winning designs will be showcased. This competition aligns with the tapestry's display at the British Museum from 10 September 2023 to 11 July 2027, which illustrates the Norman invasion of 1066, potentially including William's coronation. Frédéric Jousset, who founded Art Explora, sold WebHelp for $4.8 billion in 2023.

Key facts

  • Competition named 'Beyond The Battle' invites Key Stage 2 pupils (ages 7-11) to design the missing Bayeux Tapestry panel.
  • Organised by Art Explora and English Heritage.
  • Embroidery artist Jessica Grady creates learning resources for participating schools.
  • Runner-up classes receive funded visits to Norman English Heritage sites.
  • Winning entries will be featured in a special exhibition.
  • Bayeux Tapestry displayed at British Museum in Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery from 10 September 2026 to 11 July 2027.
  • Tapestry will be shown horizontally for the first time at the British Museum.
  • British Museum will release thousands of free school tickets, its highest number ever offered.
  • Scholars believe the original tapestry may have included an additional 8-10 feet, possibly showing William's coronation on Christmas Day 1066.
  • Tapestry transported from France to the UK via a secret English Channel crossing.

Entities

Artists

  • Jessica Grady
  • Frédéric Jousset
  • Harold II of England
  • William the Conqueror
  • Iona Keen
  • Harold

Institutions

  • Art Explora
  • English Heritage
  • British Museum
  • Bayeux Tapestry Museum
  • BBC
  • WebHelp
  • Concentrix
  • 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
  • St Augustine's Abbey
  • Centre Pompidou
  • Tate
  • Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Locations

  • United Kingdom
  • London
  • England
  • France
  • Normandy
  • Bayeux
  • Hastings
  • English Channel
  • UK
  • Bloomsbury
  • Canterbury
  • Europe
  • St Augustine's Abbey

Sources