The University of North Georgia Art Department is hosting an exhibit of the Bayeux Tapestry Replica at the UNG Convocation Center on the Dahlonega campus. The event will be open from Sept. 14 to Sept. 19.
The Bayeux Tapestry is a famous embroidery depicting the events surrounding the Battle of Hastings, a conflict that ended with the Norman army’s victory and the death of King Harold II of England. One of the most unique features of this two-dimensional artwork is that it is 224 feet in length. After being stored for approximately 300 years, the original tapestry was rediscovered in the Bayeux Cathedral during the 18th century.
“There is nothing truly, factually known about the tapestry; it’s all a mystery,” said Dr. Ana Pozzi Harris, a professor of visual arts at UNG. She explained how extensive research and investigation have helped recover what is known about the tapestry today. Pozzi Harris briefly outlined the presence of Norman propaganda and the brutal nature of middle-age warfare and pillaging. She also described how the brutality was normalized.
“Now, the question, of course, is always, why is it called a tapestry? It is not a tapestry. It’s an embroidery… on wool and linen. They call it a tapestry because, you know, when people start calling something, then the name sticks and then you never really can change it back….” – Dr. Ana Pozzi Harris, UNG Visual Arts Professor
The replica featured in this exhibit was made in 1987. It was donated to UNG in 2014 and underwent an extensive cleaning and repair. It is the only full size replica in the United States.
The exhibit is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day. Visitors can check in at the entrance where students and faculty will lead tours that are approximately 40 minutes long. Guests can also choose to listen to an audio tour available on YouTube that is approximately 35 minutes long.
For individuals and small groups seeking a quieter, more peaceful experience, Pozzi Harris recommends attending Sunday, Monday or any afternoon after 1 p.m. The music and English departments will also be hosting events on the bottom level of the Convocation Center throughout the week of the exhibit and several nearby schools will be visiting.
Guests are restricted from bringing food, drinks and large items into the tour. A designated station will be available for personal belongings.
For more information on the exhibit, visit this link.
