A blind visitor, Dr Yusuf Ali Osman, has threatened legal action against the British Museum, alleging disability discrimination after he was told that programmed audio-described tours of the Bayeux Tapestry might not be prioritised. His lawyers say the museum should have anticipated disabled visitors’ needs under the Equality Act. The case raises questions about how major exhibitions ensure blind and partially sighted people can take part on equal terms.

The museum has since said it will provide an in-person audio-described tour during the exhibition and is considering adding one to its app-based guide. Dr Osman is seeking damages, a declaration of discrimination and changes to museum policies and staff training. The tapestry, an embroidered account of events leading to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, is on loan from France for ten months; visitor numbers are restricted partly because of limits on its light exposure.