The 12 sails of Normandy

12 illustrations of the history of Normandy since 1027

Twelve monumental square sails measuring 2 meters by 2 meters, inspired by the sail of the Mora, the ducal ship of William the Conqueror, make up a true armada evoking the journeys, exchanges, and conquests that have shaped Normandy over the centuries.

Through 12 panels created in the graphic spirit of the Bayeux Tapestry, the installation traces a thousand years of Norman history, from 1027 to the present day. Each sail illustrates a significant event or an emblematic theme: the conquest of England in 1066, Château-Gaillard, Joan of Arc, the founding of Le Havre, Impressionism, the D-Day landings, the bridges of the Seine, industry, energy, flax, gastronomy, and tourism.

Made from coated linen canvas and affixed to masts using techniques inspired by the 11th century, the artworks draw on the recommendations of historians as well as references from Viking shipbuilding sites and the Maritime and River Museum of Rouen.

Presented outdoors or indoors, the exhibition unfurls its sails as a monumental installation, creating an immersive journey through the great Norman narratives.

The creation is carried out from October 2026 to May 2027 at Atelier 110, a resource space for visual arts, and the La Laverie association in Val-de-Reuil, under the artistic direction of Amélie Ledoux, an illustrator, accompanied by Nelly Védie, a plastic artist. The first presentations and exhibitions are scheduled to begin in May 2027.

Supported by the La Laverie Association and Atelier 110 – Resource space for visual arts.

Technical characteristics: each mast, with a height ranging between 2.50 m and 3 m, carries a square sail of 2 m x 2 m as well as a flaug, a weather vane inspired by Viking ships and the Mora. The whole combines linen, wood, metal, textile, and other materials, on steel supports anchored to the ground.

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Partnerships: City of Val-de-Reuil, Seine-Eure Community of Agglomerations