Mon St Micheal Bayeux - Tapestry (small)
Mon St Michael-Bayeux Extract - 11th Century.A fine woven wall tapestry, reproduced from various scenes found on the Bayeux Tapestry. This scene shows Duke William leading his army against Duke Conan of Brittany, who declared war on him. William, carrying a mace rides with two knights. The army crosses the river Couesnon, between Normandy & Brittany, passing near Mont Saint Michael. Original 11th century. The 230'x 20" of linen is made up of eight lengths. Embroidered in two-ply wool, using stem and outline stitch for contours. We can distinguish the eight colours used. Applied at random or to emphasize a dramatic effect. In fifty scenes it displays a wealth of subjects, 623 humans, 202 horses, 505 creatures, 37 buildings, 41 ships, 49 trees & nearly 2,000 letters. It includes hunting, ship building, navigation, cooking, battles & defence work. Many who had taken part in these events were still alive when it was made, so accurate depiction is likely. Recent analysis suggest that contrary to past belief that it was probably made at Canterbury, being one of Europe's leading embroidery schools.Please Note:Fabrics by their nature are flexible, during storage, humidity and temperature may occasionally affect their shape and also cause creasing. To help a tapestry hang better we recommend using a dry iron on a 'Cotton' setting. Lightly iron the tapestry from the centre towards the edges [on the face]. In very extreme cases the Tapestry can be stretched by pulling the panel gently by hand, diagonally.