The Bayeux Tapestry: Stories through Stitch
Part of the British Museum's National Programme: Bayeux around Britain, supported by WorldQuant
The Nicholson Institute Museum and Art Gallery is part of the British Museum Bayeux Tapestry National Programme January - March 2027
The Bayeux Tapestry: Stories through Stitch is coming to The Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery in Leek!
Discover the fascinating story of the Bayeux Tapestry and its special connection to Leek in this new exhibition, presented as part of Bayeux Around Britain: a British Museum partnership, supported by WorldQuant.
The Bayeux Tapestry is nearly 1,000 years old, but its stories continue to inspire people today. The exhibition explores the materials, making and stories of the tapestry, alongside Leek’s own remarkable connection to it.
In 1886, the Leek Embroidery Society created a replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, which was first displayed at The Nicholson Institute. The exhibition brings this local story back into the spotlight, celebrating the women who created the replica and the town’s long tradition of embroidery and textile-making.
You’ll be able to explore the tapestry through film, projection, audio and interactive touchscreens, getting closer to its intricate scenes and discovering more about the people, stories and craftsmanship behind it. The exhibition also brings together locally significant objects and artworks, alongside digital content from the British Museum.
There will also be a programme of talks and creative workshops inspired by the tapestry, medieval embroidery and Leek’s local history. Details coming soon.
Dates: Tuesday 12th January – Wednesday 31st March 2027
Location: The Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery, Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6DW
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–4pm
Admission: Free
Tickets are valid for the date selected. You can arrive at any time between 10am and 4pm on your ticket date. At particularly busy times, you may be asked to wait for a short time before entering the gallery.
Please note: The exhibition is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Meet the commissioned artists
Three artists have been commissioned by OUTSIDE to create new work inspired by Leek’s connection to the Bayeux Tapestry, bringing local history and textile heritage into conversation with contemporary creativity.
Leek-based artist Tracey Cartlidge will create The Connecting Thread, a sculptural installation honouring the 35 women who made the Leek Embroidery Society’s replica in 1886. The work will invite local people to contribute their own stories through the collaborative stitching of a 36th figure.
Broadcaster, producer and artist Christopher Marston will create A Thread of Voices, an audio portrait combining historical research, newly recorded voices and the sounds of making to connect the women behind the replica with Leek’s makers and residents today.
Artist and writer Rumbidzai Savanhu will combine illustration and textiles to create a contemporary tapestry exploring personal stories, community histories, nature and the places people call home.
Together, these commissions offer fresh perspectives on Leek’s remarkable heritage and the people and stories that continue to shape the town.
Access and parking
The museum and art gallery are located on the first floor of the Nicholson Institute. There is step-free access via a lift, and the gallery can also be reached by stairs. An accessible entrance to the building is located to the left hand side of the front staircase.
There is no accessible toilet in the Museum & Art Gallery. The nearest accessible toilet is on Silk Street Car Park.
There is no car park on-site, but there are several public car parks within a short distance, including Vicarage Road and Silk Street. Parking spaces cannot be booked in advance.
At particularly busy times, you may be asked to wait for a short time before entering the gallery. Thank you for your patience while we make sure everyone can enjoy the exhibition safely and comfortably.
Suitable for: All ages
Marketing information
The information provided when booking may be shared with the Friends of the Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council for future marketing and promotion of the exhibition and related activity.
This exhibition is presented by OUTSIDE in partnership with the Friends of the Nicholson Institute Museum and Gallery and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, as part of Bayeux Around Britain: a British Museum partnership, supported by WorldQuant.
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.
