Blind visitor sues British Museum over missing audio description for Bayeux Tapestry

Blind visitor Dr Yusuf Ali Osman has filed a claim that the British Museum is failing to meet its obligations under the Equality Act by not providing audio-described tours of the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition. He argues that the museum’s restriction to self-guided visits, imposed to protect the ancient embroidery from light damage, creates a substantial disadvantage for blind patrons. Museum officials said they intend to offer dedicated live audio-described tours and are also exploring a separate audio guide within the exhibition’s app.

The 70-metre-long tapestry is displayed on an elevated platform, with ticket-holders allowed a 40-minute viewing slot. The exhibition has attracted strong demand, with the initial batch of tickets selling out and generating nearly £2.5 million in revenue. Osman’s lawyer, Kate Egerton of Leigh Day, emphasized that the law requires service providers to anticipate disabled visitors’ needs and take reasonable steps to avoid disadvantage.