The Bayeux Tapestry at The Nicholson Institute Museum & Gallery – January – April 2027
Part of the British Museum Bayeux Tapestry National Programme
The Nicholson Institute Museum and Gallery is part of the British Museum Bayeux Tapestry National Programme January - April 2027
From January to April 2027, The Nicholson Institute Museum and Gallery will celebrate Leek and the Staffordshire Moorlands’ remarkable connection to the Bayeux Tapestry. Running alongside the British Museum’s national Bayeux Tapestry programme, the exhibition will explore themes of materials, making, heritage, community and storytelling.
In 1886, the first full-scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry was displayed at Leek’s Nicholson Institute. Created by the women of the Leek Embroidery Society, the replica, now housed in Reading Museum, gave people access to an internationally significant work of history through the study of traditional embroidery techniques and craftsmanship.
More than 140 years later, this exhibition offers a new opportunity to reconnect local communities with this extraordinary story. Through audio and visual content provided by the British Museum, alongside historic objects linked to the Leek Embroidery Society replica, visitors will discover the unique role Leek played in preserving and sharing the story of the Bayeux Tapestry and the extraordinary women who created the replica.
The project extends beyond the exhibition space through a programme of creative workshops and community activities across the Staffordshire Moorlands. Participants will have opportunities to learn about embroidery techniques, textile conservation and storytelling through textiles.
Are you celebrating the Bayeux Tapestry’s time in the UK with your community group or organisation?
We’d love to hear about your plans and learn how you’re helping to share this remarkable story.
Get in touch with us by emailing nicholson@outsidearts.org to tell us about your project, event, or activity.
We look forward to connecting with organisations and communities across the region and beyond as part of this national celebration.
Volunteer With Us
Would you like to help bring this remarkable exhibition at The Nicholson Institute to life?
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support the exhibition and help visitors discover Leek’s unique connection to the Bayeux Tapestry.
Whether you’re interested in local history, heritage, community engagement or simply want to be part of an exciting cultural project, we’d love to hear from you.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities, email nicholson@outsidearts.org and join us in celebrating this extraordinary local story.