LECTURES COMING UP

14th October 2026

The Bayeux Tapestry: An Embroidered Tale

Mark Cottle

This month's lecture is a change from that advertised in the 2026 Programme Leaflet. Our subject will instead be the very topical Bayeux Tapestry. 

The Bayeux Tapestry, “one of the most enchanting pieces of narrative art in existence” (Talbot Rice), is a unique and magnificent survivor from a time when wall-hangings of all kinds were common among the wealthy and powerful. Like a Viking Saga, it narrates the heroic tale of William’s invasion and battle at Hastings in graphic detail, real energy and on a grand scale. The style and quality of the needlework place it, by general consent, as English – a product of a long tradition of high quality needlework known throughout Europe as Opus Anglicanum. The aim of Mark Cottle's lecture is twofold: firstly, to demonstrate the artistic achievement of a magnificent work of art and secondly, to place it in the context of its time – who created it? How and where was it created? Who commissioned it and why? 

Mark was born on the Isles of Scilly, educated at Truro School in Cornwall and graduated from Birmingham University with an MA in Late Medieval Society and Culture. Having been with the Arts Society since 2007, Mark focuses on the English medieval and the sixteenth century periods. In addition, he has two twentieth century topics which have been a personal interest for many years: Ernest Shackleton and Winston Churchill. His lectures always include an up-to-date annotated reading list.  

Mark has lectured for The Arts Society throughout the British Isles and abroad, most recently in Germany and Australia (ArtsNational).  

NEXT LECTURE

11th November 2026

Behind the Walls

Sarah Dunant

Please click here for our full 2026 programme.

Please click here for our full 2027 programme.