The British Museum - The Bayeux Tapestry

Three animated short films for the British Museum's learning programme, bringing one of history's most extraordinary objects to life for a new generation.

In September 2026, the Bayeux Tapestry arrives in the UK for the first time in almost a thousand years. The British Museum commissioned Hocus Pocus Studio to make three animated short films for its learning programme, the first content released ahead of what became the most in-demand exhibition in the Museum's history.

The films are built primarily for secondary school audiences aged 11 to 14, but with enough charm and depth for a much broader audience. They run two to three minutes each and go live in sequence over the weeks ahead.

The first animation starts with the Tapestry itself. Figures and scenes are lifted directly from the embroidery and set in motion. Where the Tapestry has gaps, hand-drawn animation fills them, matched closely enough that the join isn't visible. Art Director Theresa Hilsden describes the challenge as staying as faithful as possible to the original while still finding room for the humour the films needed.

The series doesn't just retell 1066. Film two uses the Tapestry to make a sharper point: historical sources aren't neutral. Of the four men who claimed the English throne that year, only Harold and William appear in any depth. Hardrada and Edgar are almost entirely written out. The films treat that absence as evidence, asking audiences who made the Tapestry, and for whom.

Claudia Winkleman voices all three films.

This was a real flagship project for us to work on and we loved every minute of it. A lot of research of course, and plenty to learn, but that's how we like it.

Mounted falconers and hounds set off on horseback in an animated scene from The Bayeux Tapestry, produced by Hocus Pocus Studio for the British Museum

William crowned as the new King of England, animated still from The Bayeux Tapestry by Hocus Pocus Studio for the British Museum

A jester-like figure in diamond-patterned dress carries a sword, animated still from The Bayeux Tapestry by Hocus Pocus Studio for the British Museum

Mounted knights charging into battle with raised lances, animated still from The Bayeux Tapestry by Hocus Pocus Studio for the British Museum

Norman ships crossing the Channel under sail, animated still from The Bayeux Tapestry by Hocus Pocus Studio for the British Museum

A crowned figure gesturing beside an attendant, close-up animated still from The Bayeux Tapestry by Hocus Pocus Studio for the British Museum

"The Hocus Pocus Studio team have been the dream team to work with. They are dedicated, enthusiastic and consistently deliver outstanding results. We are beyond thrilled to have worked with such a talented team, whose creativity and craftsmanship have helped us create a trilogy of epic short animations. In just a few minutes, these films spark awe and wonder, ignite curiosity, and inspire audiences to discover more about the extraordinary story of the Bayeux Tapestry."

Lucie Tuck-Brown
Digital Learning Manager, British Museum

Credits

Client: The British Museum
Executive Producer: James Murphy
Animation Director: Justin Lowings
Art Director: Theresa Hilsden
Animation: Sze Hang Lo