Art and history enthusiasts alike will get the opportunity to view a replica of the famous Bayeux Tapestry this week at the UNG Dahlonega Campus.
The Bayeux Tapestry manages to keep alive the Battle of Hastings, a military conflict from 1066 where the Norman-French army led by Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold Godwinson’s English army, changing both British and European history.
Artist Margaret ReVille started working on the replica back in 1986 and finished painting the piece in ‘87 after 11 months of work. To this day it is the only full size copy of the 224 feet original. In 2014, the replica was donated to UNG by Judge Edd Wheeler as the College of Arts and Letters pledged to protect it from decay.
Now under UNG’s ownership, the tapestry will be frequently displayed giving UNG art majors, otherwise known as docents, the opportunity to practice museum skills in art installation and art audience education.
“I am excited to be a docent,” Estephanie Perez, a junior pursuing a degree in art education said. “It gives me the experience of being able to explain the Bayeux Tapestry to someone else based on my understanding and knowledge of it.”
Perez along with 22 other docents will be hosting the exhibition. Docents will work in pairs to guide visitors through the exhibit and provide a better understanding of the work.
"The fact that UNG is a military college adds a distinctive level of connection with the work,” stated Dr. Ana Pozzi Harris, UNG senior lecturer of art history. “The replica provides comparative points that lead to fruitful discussion and learning.”
Those interested in stopping by may do so Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Convocation Center at the UNG Dahlonega Campus.
