Overview
- Dr Yusuf Ali Osman, represented by law firm Leigh Day, sent a pre‑action letter on 24 September and publicly challenged the British Museum on 30 September alleging discrimination under the Equality Act and seeking damages plus a court order to change policies.
- The museum has said it will run dedicated in‑person audio‑described tours and is exploring a separate audio‑described track for the exhibition app while also offering a sensory map and large‑print guides.
- Museum officials cite strict light‑exposure rules for the 70‑metre tapestry and the 40‑minute timed viewing slots as the reason they limited programmed tours, a factual point that Leigh Day disputes in its legal claim.
- Record ticket sales have strained operations: long queues, some visitors turned away when the gallery closed early for a private gala, and the museum has offered refunds or free rebookings to affected ticket holders.
- The case raises a test of how museums must balance conservation rules and high demand with legal duties to anticipate disabled visitors’ needs, and the court outcome and the museum’s rollout of audio description will be watched closely.