Dr Yusuf Ali Osman versus the British Museum regarding the accessibility of the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition

The Bayeux Tapestry is an almost thousand-year-old embroidered work depicting the conquest of England by William I the Conqueror in 1066.

Dr. Yusuf Ali Osman asked the British Museum whether audio-described tours would be available during the long-awaited exhibition. Osman's lawyers point out that the museum decided primarily on individual visits. The reason is said to be restrictions related to protecting the monument from light, which affect the number of people who can view the exhibition at the same time.

According to representatives, this decision may violate the British Equality Act.

"I want to experience this exhibition"

“I want to be able to visit the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition and experience it for myself,” Dr. Osman emphasized in a statement.

He added that he understood the need to introduce restrictions on the presentation of the monument. He noted, however, that it was disappointing that blind visitors were not offered a way to explore the exhibition through audio description.

His lawyer Kate Egerton from Leigh Day reminded that service providers should anticipate the needs of people with disabilities and take reasonable steps to ensure that they are not placed at a particular disadvantage.

Our client demands the same opportunity to experience this exhibition as sighted people have, she said.

A British Museum spokesman told Reuters that the institution was planning dedicated tours, including audio-described tours led by a guide.

The museum is also considering preparing a separate audio description track in the exhibition audio guide application.

The exhibition of the 70-meter-long Bayeux Tapestry is very popular. Visitors who have purchased a ticket have 40 minutes to view the work from the elevated platform.

The first batch of tickets has been sold out. It brought in almost 2.5 million pounds, or about $3.32 million.