A petition has gathered more than 40,000 signatures to stop the loan of the Bayeux tapestry, fearing its deterioration.

Art historian Didier Rykner has started a petition on Change.org, gathering more than 40,000 signatures, to prevent the Bayeux tapestry from being loaned to the British Museum. Rykner points out the fragility of the tapestry, which has tears and holes, saying the move could cause damage. Although the British Museum claims to have experience in conserving artifacts, Rykner points out that the tapestry has only been moved a few times in history, including during the Nazi occupation. The Bayeux museum will be closed for renovations and the tapestry will have to be moved temporarily.