22/06/2026
👉 Swipe to find out how we created an 18-metre East Anglian sequel to the Bayeux Tapestry, designed by Fiona. Just one of the reasons why we're nominated for Art Fund museum of the year.
The Norwich Friends' Tapestry tells two stories of events in the East of England following the Norman Conquest: that of Hereward the Wake’s uprising, and that of the Revolt of the Three Earls. Both were rebellions against the new Norman rulers, and both are shown as resulting in a victory for William I. Designer Fiona Gowen reveals how she illustrated the stories for the stitchers to bring to life:
Step 1: Research
Research the way different elements (people, buildings etc) are depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry.
Step 2: Sketch
Plan how you will split the story up into scenes. Consider the dimensions of the Bayeux Tapestry including its border.
Step 3: Add Latin
Leave space around the drawings for medieval Latin text. Make sure your design factors in the joins between the individual sections of the tapestry.
Step 4: Finalise the line work
Go over the sketched lines with neat lines. Consider the materials that will be used to stitch the design.
Step 5: Choose colours
Decide on a maximum of fourteen coloured threads based on the natural dyes which would have been available in the Norman period.
Step 6: Colour the lines
Choose a colour for each line in your design. The lines will be stitched using stem stitch. The stitching can be built up to suggest textures and movement.
Step 7: Fill with colour
Decide which areas will be filled with colour. The stitchers will create flat areas of colour using the Bayeux stitch. Think about colour contrast and tone.
The design work is now complete! The Tapestry and Textiles Volunteers will spend many years bringing the design to life, stitch by stitch. The finished ‘tapestry’ (technically an embroidery) is installed. The Norwich Friends’ Tapestry is hung in pride of place in the Royal Chamber.
Admire the stitching up-close on the interactive display screen in the Royal Chamber. Translate the Latin text descriptions into English.
Thank you to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Norfolk County Council
Art Fund
