Two Major New Books Celebrate the Bayeux Tapestry’s Historic Return to the UK
Publishing on 16th June 2026, Embroider the Bayeux Tapestry by Mia Hansson and The Bayeux Tapestry Embroiderers’ Story by Jan Messent together offer a unique and complementary exploration of one of the world’s most celebrated medieval masterpieces.
In 2026, the UK will host the Bayeux Tapestry for the first time in 900 years, with a major exhibition at the British Museum in London. This is an extraordinary cultural moment that has inspired renewed interest in the iconic embroidery depicting the Norman Conquest of 1066.
These two beautifully-produced books invite readers not only to discover the tapestry’s history, but to engage with it in entirely new and immersive ways.
A Practical Journey Through History: Embroider the Bayeux Tapestry
In Embroider the Bayeux Tapestry, embroidery artist Mia Hansson brings the medieval narrative vividly to life through craft. Drawing on her own ambitious full-scale recreation of the tapestry, which she started in 2016, Hansson guides readers through 25 key scenes from the original work.
With full-size iron-on transfer patterns and clear, step-by-step instructions, readers can stitch iconic moments from the story of 1066, including kings, knights, mythical creatures and the famous depiction of King Harold’s death.
The book also explores a further 20 scenes in detail, offering fresh insights into the artistry, symbolism and quirks of the original embroidery, while remaining accessible to both beginners and experienced stitchers.
Uncovering the Makers: The Bayeux Tapestry Embroiderers’ Story
To complement Mia’s book, The Bayeux Tapestry Embroiderers’ Story by renowned embroiderer and teacher Jan Messent delves into the human story behind the masterpiece.
Perfect for any historian’s collection or anyone interested in the history of the tapestry, this striking and richly-illustrated hardback (a new edition of a classic title) explores who created the tapestry, how such an immense project was organised, and what materials, tools and techniques were used.
Drawing on her own experience as an embroiderer and her commission to reconstruct a missing section of the tapestry, Messent pieces together a compelling and carefully-researched account of the Anglo-Saxon artisans, shedding light on the often-overlooked women whose skill and creativity brought the narrative to life. An unmissable guide celebrating craft history.
Beautifully presented with hand-drawn illustrations and handwritten text, the book offers a distinctive, artist-led perspective on the making of this extraordinary artefact.
A Unique Publishing Moment
Together, these two titles provide a rare dual perspective: one invites readers to create the tapestry through stitch, while the other reveals the lives and methods of those who first brought it into being nearly a millennium ago.
As the Bayeux Tapestry returns to British soil, Embroider the Bayeux Tapestry and The Bayeux Tapestry Embroiderers’ Story offer an unparalleled opportunity for readers to connect with this historic artwork, through both hands-on creativity and rich historical insight.
BOOK DETAILS
Embroider the Bayeux Tapestry
Author: Mia Hansson
Publication Date: 16 June 2026
Format: Hardback, 144 pages (with pattern sheets)
ISBN: 978-1-80092-366-9
RRP: £19.99 / USD $31.95 / $AUD $49.99
The Bayeux Tapestry Embroiderers’ Story
Author: Jan Messent
Publication Date: 16 June 2026
Format: Hardback, 116 pages
ISBN: 978-1-80092-433-8
RRP: £25.00 / USD $40.00 / AUD $49.99
ENQUIRIES
For further information, review copies, or media enquiries, please contact:
Hannah Parke, Publicist, hannahp@searchpress.com
For sales queries, please contact: sales@searchpress.com
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
MIA HANSSON
Mia learnt cross stitch from her grandmother at the age of five. She continued her needle journey through school to become a Viking-age reenactment seamstress. In 2016 she started making a full-scale Bayeux Tapestry replica, knowing that it would take at least ten years to complete. What started as a labour of love became a personal challenge of epic proportions! Mia has 12K members on her Facebook group, Mia's Bayeux Tapestry Story. She lives in Cambridgeshire, UK. Visit Mia's website for more information: www.miasbayeuxstyleart.uk
JAN MESSENT
Jan Messent qualified as a teacher in the mid-1950s and, after teaching Art, History and English, became deeply involved with embroidery as an art form.
In 1996, she was commissioned by Madeira Threads to reconstruct the last and missing eight feet of The Bayeux Tapestry, which can be seen in James Cook Memorial Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK. In the process of making this stunning panel, she wrote the tour de force The Bayeux Tapestry Embroiderers' Story an illustrated history on the embroiderers behind the masterpiece. This was first published in 1999 by Madeira Threads and later published in 2010 by Search Press.
Now, having retired from lecturing, Jan dedicates her time to a number of arts and crafts, including drawing, painting, embroidery, knitting and crochet.
ABOUT SEARCH PRESS
For over 55 years, Search Press has produced practical, inspiring and award-winning art and craft books for creative people. We’re an independent, family-owned company, and each of our books is lovingly created with our readers in mind, thoroughly checked for accuracy and usability, and proudly ‘human-made’ – because in a world of automation, we believe creativity counts. Whether you’re looking to try something completely new, create gifts for loved ones, or carve out some time for yourself, you’ll find must-have projects and exciting, visually-led techniques from our trusted collection of expert authors.
“We publish great books, value our customers hugely and aim always to be the best in our sector of the business. We have been hugely successful because we put the customer experience at the heart of the offer.” – Martin de la Bédoyère, Managing Director, Search Press Ltd.
