Art World Roundup: Bayeux Tapestry’s Risky Trip, Sherald Showdown, and Ford’s New Face

Though it’s midsummer, the art world still makes news. Here’s a look at some of July’s top stories. And greetings from Santa Fe. I’m here for a few days for the opera but will also savor the ambiance of Willa Cather, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Roswell. I promise not to hitch a ride with a flying saucer.

But, first, what’s the news from 1066, specifically the Bayeux Tapestry’s upcoming trip to London? No flying saucers, but Halley’s Comet does figure in the fragile, embroidered tapestry, made a few years after William the Conqueror’s Norman invasion of England in 1066. It’s set to travel to the British Museum in the fall of 2026, displayed there until 2027. In documentarian detail — it’s 230 feet long and 20 inches tall — and in vibrant color, it tells the story of the fight over who would succeed Edward the Confessor, England’s childless king, and, after much angst, the Battle of Hastings, the battlefield death of poor Anglo-Saxon King Harold, stuck in the eye with an arrow, and William’s coronation as king. There’s lots of battlefield mincemeat but also scenes of everyday life among the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans.

About the Author

Brian T. Allen

Brian T. Allen is National Review’s art critic.

Featured Tags

Manage following

Art

Though it’s midsummer, the art world still makes news. Here’s a look at some of July’s top stories. And greetings from Santa Fe. I’m here for a few days for the opera but will also savor the ambiance of Willa Cather, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Roswell. I promise not to hitch a ride with a flying saucer.

But, first, what’s the news from 1066, specifically the Bayeux Tapestry’s upcoming trip to London? No flying saucers, but Halley’s Comet does figure in the fragile, embroidered tapestry, made a few years after William the Conqueror’s Norman invasion of England in 1066. It’s set to travel to the British Museum in the fall of 2026, displayed there until 2027. In documentarian detail — it’s 230 feet long and 20 inches tall — and in vibrant color, it tells the story of the fight over who would succeed Edward the Confessor, England’s childless king, and, after much angst, the Battle of Hastings, the battlefield death of poor Anglo-Saxon King Harold, stuck in the eye with an arrow, and William’s coronation as king. There’s lots of battlefield mincemeat but also scenes of everyday life among the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans.