Next month will be four years since Mia Hansson of Wisbech set out to create a replica of the 69 metre long Bayeux tapestry.

Wisbech Standard: Mia Hansson turned her love of craft-making into a mission to recreate a full scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Photo: Mia's Bayeux Tapestry Story.Mia Hansson turned her love of craft-making into a mission to recreate a full scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Photo: Mia's Bayeux Tapestry Story. (Image: Archant)

With a third of it now complete, she’s optimistic of completing the extraordinary project within the next six years.

The famous original tells the story of the Norman conquest leading up to the defeat of King Harold by William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Now Mia’s Bayeux Tapestry Colouring Book is being published that includes around 50 of her own hand-drawn, black and white, outline images. Most are those which appear on the tapestry itself, but there are a few extra images which Mia has imagined in the same style.

She says the idea evolved during the coronavirus lockdown.

Wisbech Standard: Mia Hansson turned her love of craft-making into a mission to recreate a full scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Photo: Mia's Bayeux Tapestry Story.Mia Hansson turned her love of craft-making into a mission to recreate a full scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Photo: Mia's Bayeux Tapestry Story. (Image: Archant)

“One thing I will remember from this period is when someone suggested that I make a colouring book,” she says.

“Without the C-situation I probably wouldn’t have taken it seriously and here we are the Kickstarter launch of Mia’s Bayeux Tapestry Colouring Book.”

Publishers Eyrie Press says the book includes many of the more famous scenes, such as the depiction of what is thought to be Halley’s comet.

Eyrie Press says: “Although it’s called a colouring book, we know that many people will want to use the images for their own embroidery projects, or for other crafts. So we’ve designed the book with all that in mind.

Wisbech Standard: Mia Hansson turned her love of craft-making into a mission to recreate a full scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Photo: Mia's Bayeux Tapestry Story.Mia Hansson turned her love of craft-making into a mission to recreate a full scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Photo: Mia's Bayeux Tapestry Story. (Image: Archant)

“It is A4 in size, and the designs are single sided and set away from the edges, so you’ll be able to photocopy them if you wish. They are suitable for expanding to A3 size at least. There is also an index with a short description of each image, so you know what it is you are looking at!”

The book will be available in paperback and as a digital PDF download, so you can choose which you prefer.

Eyrie Press describes Mia’s works as “a labour of love” and say it has been designed for adults since there may be images that aren’t especially suitable for younger children.

“Eyrie Press is a small, independent publisher and has published several books, including one through a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2019. Mia began work on the tapestry on July 13, 2016 and has so far shown the tapestry to the general public in many locations and to several private groups.

Wisbech Standard: Mia Hansson turned her love of craft-making into a mission to recreate a full scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Photo: Mia's Bayeux Tapestry Story.Mia Hansson turned her love of craft-making into a mission to recreate a full scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Photo: Mia's Bayeux Tapestry Story. (Image: Archant)