British Museum changes Bayeux Tapestry exhibition after blind man's discrimination claim

From the Newshound archive · first published 30 September 2026 · last updated 1 October 2026.

Dr Yusuf Ali Osman, a blind man from Croydon, was prepared to take the British Museum to court over disability discrimination when it initially made no provision for audio-described tours of the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition. The museum had indicated that organised tours would rank below self-guided visits in priority, citing strict light-exposure restrictions that limit weekly visitor numbers. His solicitors at Leigh Day wrote to the museum alleging a breach of the Equality Act, after which the museum agreed to make changes.

The British Museum has now confirmed it will run an in-person audio-described tour during the exhibition and is exploring adding one to its app-based guide.

Dr Osman is still pursuing damages, an official ruling that discrimination occurred, and mandatory disability awareness training for exhibition staff.

The 70-metre tapestry, on historic loan from France, will be on display through 11 July next year — but the row has emerged days after chaotic queues left visitors turned away.