Alderney and Normandy groups came together last week to show off their independent interpretations of the missing final acts depicting the coronation of William the Conqueror in the Bayeux Tapestry.
An Alderney trio of Kate Russell, Pauline Black and Robin Whicker decided to create the missing chapters of the famous artwork in 2012 and it has since become internationally recognised.
The tapestry depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings but some experts believe the final section depicting William I’s coronation is missing.
The Alderney community project saw thousands of stitches added by hundreds of contributors, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, to show the coronation at Westminster Abbey and the building of the Tower of London with stone from Caen.
Unknown to them, at the same time a group from Montivilliers called the Fleur de Bois attempted the same feat – but on 63 wooden panels.
Members of Fleur de Bois unexpectedly travelled to Alderney last week to share and compare the different interpretations and styles of Bayeux community projects.
Ms Russel said: ”We were absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to see the work of the Fleur de Bois group. The production is of very high quality and true to the original.
“We were very touched by their generous gesture to present us with a hand-painted wooden box featuring a scene from the Bayeux Tapestry.
“We will certainly remain in contact and as there are big plans ahead in France for 2027 to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror, which will be marked with a series of events and exhibitions across Normandy and may well include displaying a replica of our very own tapestry finale.”
The Alderney Bayeux Tapestry Finale is housed at the Alderney Library but has also been exhibited at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and at other historic locations across the Channel Islands and UK.