"What an unexpected treasure." - England
Michael Linton's Bayeux Tapestry: 1066 - A Medieval Mosaic and Puzzles
Medieval Mosaic
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Questions and Answers
QHow long did the mosaic take to make?
AThe mosaic was made in my spare time over a 25 year period. In terms of hours I would imagine it to be in excess of 5000 hours.
QWhen was the mosaic finished?
AIt was started in 1979 and finished in October 1999. The finale section was started in 1999 and finished in January 2005.
QThe mosaic is amazing. Where did you find the time?
AWell, er.. I don't play sport.
QWhat do you do in your spare time?
AYou have probably noticed by some of the content of my website that I have an interest in numbers. Prime number theory takes up a lot of my spare time.
QAre you an artist or a mathematician?
ANeither, I am a knitting machine mechanic.
QWhat is the mosaic worth?
APass. I guess I will only know this when someone makes me an offer.
QCan you give a clue to the location of the keyhole?
AO.K. The keyhole is halfway between the keys and the beginning.
QYour alphametic puzzles are based on Movie titles. What is your favorite movie?
AChitty chitty bang bang. Followed by, Bernard and the Genie. Princess bride. A Knights Tale. Groundhog day. Labyrinth. Finding Nemo. Garfield. Rainman. Terminator. The Fifth Element. Time Cop. Titanic and True Lies.
QHave you displayed the mosaic anywhere else?
AThe mosaic has been on exhibition at Science Alive in Christchurch for 16 weeks. This is the only time it has been on exhibition outside of Geraldine.
QIs there any copyright issues with the Bayeux Tapestry?
ATo the best of my knowledge, No. Please refer to the case Bridgeman versus Corel for more information regarding this particular copyright issue.
QWould you sell the mosaic if the price was right?
AYes
QI came across a reference to a book whilst analyzing the code on your CD. Do I need to purchase the book in order to solve the puzzles within the mosaic?
ANo. Everything is contained within the DVD-Rom. No other purchases are needed.
QDid you use a computer to calculate the magic cube?
ANo. I did not have a computer in 1976. Even today, I do most of my calculation using pen and paper.
QI found your alphametic puzzles lots of fun. When is volume 2 due for release?
AVolume 2 is now available.
QWhen does your mosaic puzzle challenge end?
AWhen it has been solved.
QDo the encoded puzzles require advanced mathematical knowledge to be able to solve them?
ANo. The encoded puzzles are no different to the alphametic puzzles. The only mathematical knowledge required is the ability to add.
QDo you have the mosaic insured?
ANot yet.
QDid you study art or maths at university?
ANo. I did not attend university. My family emigrated to New Zealand in 1965. I attended Waimatatai primary school at the age of 11 followed by Timaru College. After gaining school certificate I became a knitting cadet at Tekau Knitwear. My wife and I started our own knitwear business in 1984.
QDo you have children?
AYes. Steven, born in 1981, holds a degree in computer science and information technology. Currently he is teaching at a secondary school in Christchurch New Zealand.
Rachael, born in 1983, has just completed a four year degree in design At Massey University in Wellington. Her specialty area is Digital Media and Animation.
Rachael, born in 1983, has just completed a four year degree in design At Massey University in Wellington. Her specialty area is Digital Media and Animation.
QDo you have plans to make other mosaics?
AI would like to. It will depend on whether I can source the right materials to make more.
QHow much do you sell your mosaics for?
AI have never sold any.