A search has begun for a Channel Islands animator or digital artist to help create a new musical interpretation of the historic Bayeux Tapestry.
The project, titled Bayeux Tapestry: The Opera, is being led by Guernsey-born musician Andrew Lawrence-King, who has been commissioned to compose what organisers believe could be the first major musical work inspired by the tapestry in its nearly 1,000-year history.
The opera will use the Roman de Rou by Jersey-born poet Robert Wace as the basis for its libretto, with organisers describing Wace’s poetry as “vivid” and ideally suited to telling the story of the Norman conquest.
Project organiser Richard de la Rue said the next stage of development required collaboration with an animator or digital artist capable of bringing the tapestry’s figures and scenes to life on screen.
The visual element is intended to accompany performances of the work and will feature “stylised, historically sensitive” animation inspired directly by the original embroidery.
Mr de la Rue said Alderney’s interpretation of the tapestry’s final six scenes would also be incorporated into the production.
Although Mr Lawrence-King is now based in Estonia, Mr de la Rue said collaborators could work remotely from anywhere.
“It would be especially meaningful to involve an artist from Jersey, reinforcing the Channel Islands’ shared heritage and highlighting Wace’s own connection to the island,” he added.
The project is intended as a pan-island contribution to millennium commemorations of William the Conqueror, with plans for performances in both the UK and Normandy.
A public call has been issued for freelancers, students, digital illustrators and motion-graphics artists from Jersey and Guernsey who may wish to become involved.
Those who are interested can contact Mr de la Rue by emailing rdelarue@suremail.gg or by phoning 07781 102447.
