France, Aug. 21 -- A French petition opposingthe planned loanof the Bayeux Tapestry to theBritish Museumhas drawn nearly45,000 signaturessince its launchon 13 July, amidwarnings the11th‑century workis too fragileto move.

The petition's creator, Didier Rykner, editor ofLa Tribune de l'Art, called the transfer "a true heritage crime" and urged President Emmanuel Macron to abandon the plan.

Macron announced earlier this year that the tapestry would travel to London between September 2026 and June 2027, in exchange for treasures from the Anglo-Saxon ship buried atSutton Hooin southern England.

"Specialists, restorers and curators agree there is a significant risk of tears or loss of material from vibrations during transport," Rykner ...