Claudia Winkleman Tapped to Entertain British Museum Visitors
The 'Traitors' host is featured in a promotional video aimed at easing the wait times for the Bayeux Tapestry exhibit.
Claudia Winkleman, known for her role as host of the BBC series 'Traitors,' has taken on a new role entertaining visitors at the British Museum. The museum is using a promotional video starring Winkleman to help alleviate boredom for those waiting in long queues to view the Bayeux Tapestry.
Visitors can spend up to two hours waiting to see the exhibit. To combat this, the museum has placed QR codes around its premises. Scanning these codes with mobile phones allows viewers to watch a two-minute clip featuring Winkleman, who also serves as a trustee for the museum. In the video, she portrays the head of security during a reenactment of the Battle of Hastings within the museum.
The lighthearted footage depicts Winkleman's first day as a security guard, encountering an Anglo-Saxon warrior and subsequently discovering an army of Normans and Anglo-Saxons confronting each other in the museum's main hall, mirroring the historical Battle of Hastings in 1066. Winkleman attempts to de-escalate the situation before retreating.
"It was an honour to be part of this excellent film," Winkleman stated. "We are so excited about the Bayeux Tapestry coming to the British Museum and for everyone to see the exhibit."
In addition to Winkleman's video, a more in-depth film by the exhibition's curator, Dr. Michael Lewis, will also be available. Museum guidance now informs guests that videos about the tapestry's history will be accessible on their way to view the exhibit.
The British Museum began displaying the 230-foot-long tapestry in September, and it will remain on view until July of next year. The artifact was transported to Britain from Bayeux, Normandy, France, following an agreement between the British and French governments.
Long wait times have been a common occurrence since the tapestry's arrival. In response, the museum has introduced additional seating and plans to offer quizzes for children. Ticket holders are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled 40-minute viewing slot and are encouraged to keep moving while observing the tapestry to facilitate visitor flow.
The Bayeux Tapestry, created in the 11th century, chronicles the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings. This battle marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule under Harold Godwinson and the establishment of Norman rule in England by William the Conqueror.