A centuries-old Belgian company has been hired to ensure a stable environment for the Bayeux Tapestry while it’s temporarily on display at the British Museum.
The priceless work of art depicts the Battle of Hastings, fought in 1066, during which William the Conqueror of Normandy defeated King Harold of England. Until now, it was proudly displayed in Bayeux, but due to museum renovations it had to be moved. A monumental task for a fragile, 68-metre long tapestry. Safety first, as the saying goes, so naturally the British Museum knew where to find the expertise to protect it once it had arrived safely in the UK.
The faithful Focus follower is no stranger to Meyvaert, a 200-year-old company specializing in state-of-the-art display cases. Their handiwork can be admired from the Louvre in Abu Dhabi to the Tower of London, and much closer to their headquarters at the Ghent Altarpiece, also known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
The display case they designed is 70 metres long and weighs a whopping 20 tonnes. The expert company faced a tight deadline, but they delivered. According to Meyvaert CEO Stijn Verstraete, they are the only company in the world that can deliver a display case of such a length, and they were reportedly congratulated by their competition.
We join them in these congratulations. Yet another major Belgian exploit to be celebrated.
