By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-10-01 04:46:02 | Updated at 2026-10-01 06:38:00
1 hour ago
The British Museum has been forced to make a major change to its landmark Bayeux Tapestry exhibition after being threatened with legal action.
Dr Yusuf Ali Osman, who is completely blind in both eyes, accused the institution of violating the Equality Act by failing to provide accessible tours for visually impaired visitors.
The museum has now confirmed that it would be changing the exhibition so an in-person audio-described tour would take place during its run.
Officials said they were investigating the possibility of putting an audio-described option in the exhibition's app-based guide.
Dr Osman had reached out to the museum through the law firm Leigh Day to ask whether an audio tour might be available.
According to his solicitors, the museum initially said self-guided visits would take priority over organised tours and events.
The museum pointed to the number of hours of light the tapestry can safely be exposed to, which in turn limited how many visitors could be admitted.
Dr Osman is now pursuing damages alongside a formal declaration that he was subjected to discrimination.
Dr Osman accused the British Museum of violating the Equality Act by not providing accessible tours for visually impaired visitors
He is also seeking a court order compelling the museum to revise its policies.
Staff at the exhibition should also be made to receive disability awareness training, Dr Osman argued.
He said he hoped his legal threat would "help make sure blind and partially sighted people are properly considered" when major exhibitions are planned.
His solicitor said the Equality Act imposes duties on service providers to predict the requirements of disabled people and take reasonable measures to prevent "substantial disadvantage".
The museum confirmed on Wednesday that an in-person audio-described tour would take place during the exhibition's run
REUTERS
"Our client is asking for the same opportunity as sighted visitors to experience this exhibition," they said.
A spokesman for the British Museum said it was "committed to making the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition as accessible as possible" and had collaborated with specialist access consultants.
Among the current options on offer is a "sensory map" designed to help visitors prepare for their visit, alongside dedicated tours that will now include an in-person audio-described option.
"We are also exploring including a separate audio-described tour as part of the exhibition's app-based audio guide," the spokesman added.
The 70-metre embroidery will remain on display at the central London museum until July 11 next year
The celebrated 70-metre embroidery, which portrays the events culminating in the Norman Conquest of 1066, has been loaned from France.
It will remain on display at the central London museum until July 11 next year.
The legal challenge comes just days after visitors hoping to get a glimpse of the Bayeux Tapestry were turned away amid chaotic queues.
The British Museum issued an apology to those who missed out, citing the "unprecedented demand".
