by Karen Inchley

MORE than a century ago, embroiderers laboured for months to create a perfect, 230-feet long copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.

Their handiwork attracted national and international acclaim and it was exhibited throughout Britain, America, South Africa and Europe after its completion in June 1886.

But within 10 years the fruits of their efforts had been sold off for the princely sum of £300 to aldermen in Reading, where it has takes pride of place in the town's museum.

The tapestry, which chronicles the Norman conquest of England in 1066, has become a top tourist attraction drawing at least 10,000 visitors each year.

Attempts have been made by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council over the years to wrest back the priceless masterpiece, but Reading has invested heavily in its showcase display and insists they bought it fairly and squarely.

Now a panel from the full-scale copy of the tapestry – the only one of its type – has been returned on loan to Leek as a key exhibit in centenary celebrations marking the death of arts patron Sir Thomas Wardle, right.

Wardle – The Man exhibition opened at Leek's Nicholson Art Gallery yesterday and can be viewed until the end of August. It turns the spotlight on a man whose momentous achievements in silk dyeing helped establish Leek's reputation as a prominent textiles town.

His wife, Lady Elizabeth, founded the internationally acclaimed Leek Embroidery Society which produced the remarkable replica.

Six descendents from across the world attended a sneak preview of the exhibition before it was officially opened to the public.

It has been staged by the Leek and Moorlands Historical Trust, which secured the loan of one of the panels depicting a battle scene.

Chairman John Newall is dismissive of claims that the replica should be returned to Leek on a permanent basis.

He said: "The tapestry was sold by the ladies who created it when they could not agree terms with the then civic authority in Leek, much to the distress of Lady Elizabeth Wardle, under whose direction it had been created.

"Reading offered to lend us any section we would like, subject to it being robust enough to be taken down, packed, transported and set up again.

"There is no dispute over ownership, it was sold by the ladies who owned it."

He added: "It is one of the highlights of a range of exhibits which reflect the life and interests of Sir Thomas Wardle.

"This is the twelfth exhibition I have chaired and it looks absolutely first class. I think it will generate a lot of interest."

The work of the embroiderers of Leek is a replica of the Bayeux Tapestry — with one exception. The Moorlands artisans embellished the soldiers with shorts, but it is not known whether it was to protect the modesty of the infantrymen or to spare their own blushes.

Thirty-five women worked on the tapestry and the section on display was made by Beatrice Lavington, who lived in Leek during the 1880s.

Viewers can view it while listening to music composed by Sir Thomas Wardle for his daughter's wedding. It was recorded by a choir from St Edward's Church at Cheddleton, where he worshipped.

Among visitors at the launch of the exhibition was Chris Birch, from Picton Street Post Office.

She said: "I thought it was lovely, it really brings out the history of the town.

"We desperately need an exhibition centre where we can display these things and it would help bring in tourists."

Open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday, Wardle – The Man also explores Wardle's co-operation with William Morris, founder of the world-famous arts and crafts movement, and his international contacts – particularly with the Indian silk industry, as well as showcasing pictures of life in the Wardle dye houses of the late 19th century.

Related news:

Tapestry on its way home for centenary

Town celebration planned to honour Wardle's legacy

Tapestry tells of dye pioneer

Show celebrates life's work of pioneering textile leader