Overview

• Under the Calvados prefecture’s oversight, teams spent 7 hours 15 minutes on September 18 to crate the 11th-century, 70-metre embroidery and move it to a nearby conservation reserve, its first removal since 1983.
• Officials kept the timing confidential after initially announcing a postponement due to national demonstrations, citing security and risk control.
• A British Museum delegation observed the transfer as planning continues for a September 2026 loan to London announced in July by President Emmanuel Macron.
• Authorities have launched a tender for a “voyage à blanc” to the United Kingdom to test anti-vibration solutions ahead of any long-distance transport.
• Expert reports detail extensive degradation, the regional culture directorate said in 2021 it was not transportable before restoration, the planned 18-month restoration has been deferred, and a petition opposing the loan has surpassed 73,000 signatures.