An impressive Game of Thrones® medieval-style tapestry, depicting key moments from the fantasy drama, goes on display in Bayeux, Normandy, from today (13 September). It will be exhibited in the historic Hôtel du Doyen in Bayeux, within walking distance of the legendary 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry – which was a key source of inspiration for its new neighbour.
The Game of Thrones® tapestry, which has hung in the Ulster Museum in Belfast since 2017, was created by Tourism Ireland in conjunction with HBO – to celebrate a decade of filming and production for the hit series in Northern Ireland. After the final episode of season eight aired earlier this year, a team of 30 volunteer stitchers, working with staff in the Ulster Museum, completed the final section of the tapestry. It is now 87 metres long.
Last month, Tourism Ireland carefully shipped the Game of Thrones® tapestry to Bayeux in Normandy, where it is now on display in the exhibition space at the Hôtel du Doyen until 31 December 2019.
Admission to the exhibition will be free, and several other display areas will include images of Game of Thrones® filming locations in Northern Ireland, information on how the tapestry was made, and a display of some of iconic items related to the show.
The Bayeux Tapestry was originally commissioned by Bishop Odo, William the Conqueror’s half-brother, in the 11th century, to commemorate the Norman conquest of England.
Its 21st century ‘twin’ was created to capture the dramatic Game of Thrones® storylines and celebrate the strong links between the TV show and Northern Ireland, where most of the filming took place.
In a nod to Northern Ireland’s rich textile heritage, the tapestry was woven from linen sourced from one of the last surviving linen mills in the region, using threads of metallic, cotton and silk yarns.
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