British Museum adds audio tour after legal threat
A blind visitor from Croydon threatened legal action over access to the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition.
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The British Museum has announced it will offer an in-person audio-described tour of its Bayeux Tapestry exhibition. This decision comes after a blind visitor from Croydon, Dr Yusuf Ali Osman, threatened legal action, alleging the museum breached the Equality Act by not providing adequate access for visually impaired people.
Legal Action and Accessibility Concerns
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Dr Osman's lawyers, Leigh Day, sent a pre-action letter to the museum on 24 September. According to Leigh Day, Dr Osman, who has no sight in either eye, had contacted the museum in July to inquire about audio-described tours. The museum reportedly stated that self-guided visits would be prioritised over tours and events, citing limitations on light exposure for the tapestry as a reason for restricted visitor numbers.
Dr Osman is seeking damages and a declaration that he was discriminated against. He also wants the museum to change its policies and provide disability awareness training to relevant staff. His solicitor, Kate Egerton, stated that service providers have obligations under the Equality Act to anticipate the needs of disabled people and take reasonable steps to avoid substantial disadvantage. She added that her client is seeking the same opportunity as sighted visitors to experience the exhibition.
Museum's Response and Exhibition Details
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A spokesperson for the British Museum said the institution is committed to making the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition as accessible as possible. The museum has worked with specialist access consultants and has implemented provisions such as a sensory map to help visitors prepare for their visit. The spokesperson confirmed that dedicated tours will be held during the exhibition's run, including the in-person audio-described tour. The museum is also exploring the inclusion of a separate audio-described tour within the exhibition's app-based audio guide.
The 70-metre embroidery, which details the events leading up to the Norman Conquest in 1066, is on loan from France. The exhibition is scheduled to be on display at the museum until 11 July 2027.
Questions this report answers
+What has the British Museum agreed to provide for visually impaired visitors?
The British Museum has agreed to provide an in-person audio-described tour for visually impaired visitors to its Bayeux Tapestry exhibition. They are also exploring adding an audio-described tour to the exhibition's app.
+Why was the audio-described tour added?
The tour was added after Dr Yusuf Ali Osman, a blind visitor from Croydon, threatened legal action. He alleged that the museum breached the Equality Act by not offering such tours, preventing him from experiencing the exhibition on equal terms.
+How long will the Bayeux Tapestry be on display?
The 70-metre Bayeux Tapestry, which is on loan from France, will be on display at the British Museum until 11 July 2027. This extended display period allows for various visitor access initiatives.
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