The Bayeux Tapestry: Stories through Stitch

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.

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.