'The Papestry' gets permanent Lincoln home

The Papestry a viral work by artist Matt D Wright, better known to many as @matandhiscat on social media, a tribute to the Bayeux Tapestry and is a 6 meter long illustration drawn in fineliner of Lincoln's Bailgate and Steep Hill will now go on permanent display at the Usher Gallery.

After an earlier summer exhibition attracted more than 7,000 visitors in just 3 weeks with queues of people wanting to get an in-person look at the detailed artwork, the piece has been acquired by Lincolnshire County Council and will take up permanent residence within Lincoln's Usher Gallery.

Speaking after the exhibition, Matt said-

“I'm so pleased that after the success of the exhibition, The Papestry can still be enjoyed in the city's art gallery now, and in the future.

"I was completely overwhelmed by the response – over 7,000 people in three weeks is just incredible and I had the pleasure of meeting lots of visitors as they came to the gallery during the exhibition.

"The Bailgate is ever-changing and this will be a time capsule; a snapshot in the city's history that will be remembered in the gallery for years to come. Thank you to the council and the gallery team for putting on the exhibition and agreeing to give The Papestry its new home."

The Papestry is now on display in Gallery Two on the ground floor of the Usher Gallery. It hangs alongside other perspectives of the city, including ‘Lincoln’ by LS Lowry (1959), ‘Lincoln Cathedral, Exchequer Gate and Castle Square’ by William Logsdail (1904), and ‘Lincoln from the South with Bargate’ by Peter DeWint (1824).  

The Usher Gallery is open from Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm.