Two Kings

Inspired by the colours and imagery of the Bayeux tapestry, Emma Lewis has created an anti-war parable for all ages. It begins with the death of a king and the ensuing dispute between an earl and a duke over his erstwhile kingdom. Almost inevitably the subjects of the two lands separated by a stretch of water, are, despite their reluctance and a sign up above, drawn into a full-scale war. The fierce battle between the two armies results in heavy losses on both sides and the death of both earl and duke, leaving the remaining people bewildered at the needless destruction.

Invaded and invaders decide to work together to rebuild the country and slowly, little by little, with input from everyone, a new nation is forged: a new nation that will always remember the pointlessness of war and the vital importance of a lasting peace.

The tale of power hungry leaders and their selfish vanity unfolds in linear fashion as in the Bayeux Tapestry. However from the very first spread, Emma Lewis introduces incongruous images – photos of modern day crowds watching the funeral procession, a group of WW1 cavalry men lining up as part of the invasion preparations and the invasion fleet itself including three-masted sailing ships, two and three funnel steam ships and modern speed boats, thus transforming the story from a simple history lesson into a tale for all times.