Over 50,000 people have signed a petition opposing the loan of the French Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum in London.
Art historian Didier Rykner, who started the petition, warned that the tapestry is "already very fragile, with tears and holes in the fabric."
The petition was launched on Change.org after French President Emmanuel Macron offered the tapestry as part of an art exchange.
Over 50,000 people have signed a petition opposing the loan of the French Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum in London
|Reuters
The British Museum said its conservation and collections management team is experienced at handling and caring for this type of material and is working with colleagues in France on the tapestry's display.
The 70-metre-long Bayeux Tapestry likely made by English embroiderers, tells the story of the Norman invasion in 1066 and how King Harold of England was killed by an arrow to the eye.
After William the Conqueror became king, the tapestry was brought to France.
It stayed in Bayeux Cathedral for 700 years and has been displayed in the Bayeux Museum since 1983.
It has only been taken to Paris twice.
Rykner added: "The last two times it was moved was first by Napoleon and then by the Germans (during the Nazi occupation).
"I cannot think of why you would want to be the third to move it.
"Any movement or vibration could cause further damage.
The British Museum said its conservation and collections management team is experienced at handling and caring for this type of material and is working with colleagues in France on the tapestry's display
|Reuters
"You cannot use a fragile piece of art for diplomacy."
The Bayeux museum will close for renovations for two years starting later this year, and the tapestry will need to be rehoused during that time, a representative for the museum said.
The French state owns the tapestry, and France's Ministry of Culture will be responsible for coordinating the tapestry's transfer to a temporary home.