Michael Linton's Bayeux Tapestry: 1066 - A Medieval Mosaic and Puzzles

The Finale

News Article Details

• Publication: Geraldine News
• Date: 01-03-2005

Description

The Launch...

On 22 January 2005 Geraldine hosted the launch of the Medieval Mosaic 'finale section'. This stunning artwork has been a collaborative effort between a father and daughter team, Michael and Rachael Linton, which re-creates the lost section of the Bayeux Tapestry. This completes a 25 year artistic odyssey and has resulted in a truly unique New Zealand Masterpiece. The complete artwork will be on permanent display from 23 January 2005 at the Giant Jersey in Geraldine. This is a spectacle not to be missed! The Finale Section...

Historians believe that there are two missing panels to the original Bayeux Tapestry. The Medieval Mosaic's 27 foot long finale section is based on the historical events of the time, highlighting what might have been depicted in the missing section of the Bayeux Tapestry. This missing section depicts the three months from the end of the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066 to Christmas Day 1066, when William the Conqueror was crowned King of England.

Michael and Rachael have spent the past four years accurately researching historical and contemporary literature on every aspect of the period in order to draw a truthful depiction of the events proceeding the Norman Conquest of England. Michael primarily worked on the research while Rachael meticulously designed the missing panels. As a period piece it was important that the extension depict the people, events and culture accurately, while maintaining the appropriate artistic style, colour and composition of the original tapestry.

During the design of the artwork, it was Michael's task to prepare the 27 foot section of 400,000 metal chips on which the Mosaic was to be painted. Michael finally critiqued the design, painted the canvas and mounted it for public viewing. Perhaps the crowning achievement of the extension is that only an expert can tell where the original artwork ends and the new one begins.

The Gallery...

Michael's Medieval Mosaic has been on display in Geraldine since October 2001. Michael gives daily talks on the construction and history of the Mosaic, which has become an increasingly popular destination for tour groups and school visits as well as for visitors from all over the world. The mosaic re-creation is painted on a canvas of 1,500,000 chips of spring steel; it is 111 foot long and weighs approximately 220 kg. The finale section will be added as a seamless continuation of Michael's Medieval Mosaic, bringing the overall length to 138 feet and a final weight of 275 kg. The new finale section provides the story with its long awaited conclusion and gives the niece an added importance that it truly deserves. To supplement the Mosaic, Michael's extensive research has been compiled into an interactive CD-ROM that describes the full original artwork and its meaning. It contains a wealth of information including full-text books written by Medieval Historians, genealogy, Latin text and Brass rubbings as well as Michael's Magic Cube and Alphameric Puzzles. This can be viewed in part at the website: www.1066.co.nz

The Artists...

Michael Linton is a textile technician by trade and for the last 20 years has been a self-employed knitwear manufacturer and retailer. In 1999 Michael and his wife Gillian were recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as having the world's largest jersey. Other than an obvious interest in producing massive artworks and researching English history, Michael's interests include Number Theory and creating Puzzles. A number of Michael's creations may be viewed at the Medieval Mosaic Gallery at 'The Giant Jersey'.

Rachael Linton, 21, is currently studying at Massey University, Wellington toward a Bachelor of Design. She has a creative talent in many art and design disciplines and has consequently inherited an enthusiastic interest in medieval history.