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Practical
beauty
The carpets made by Thomas Whitty were not only practical products that graced
the homes of the great and the good in the 18th and 19th centuries but also objects
of great beauty. They are still to be seen in stately homes and museums not only
in this country but all over the world and the word 'Axminster' has become synonymous
with quality.
From small beginnings to national importance
How the carpet industry grew from small beginnings in a small Devon town to become
of national importance is a fascinating story and largely untold. As late as
1751 Chambers Encyclopaedia described a carpet as "a sort of covering to
be spread on a table, trunk or estrade (dais) or even a passage or floor.”
Just as Harry Dutfield on a speculative visit to Axminster in the early 1930's
was very surprised to find that Axminster carpets were no longer made in the
town, so today many visitors to the town are equally surprised at how little
there is to see and learn about its famous product.
Thomas Whitty House - the perfect setting
Therefore, Axminster Heritage Limited, which is a registered charity, are now
seeking to raise funds to acquire the old Whitty Factory - a Grade II listed
building, known as Thomas Whitty House which is located opposite the Minster
in the centre of the town and convert it into a museum.
The building is on three floors and would be large enough to accommodate the
town's relatively small present museum, include space for a unique history of
the carpet industry as well as providing lecture and study facilities. Proposals
would also include an area for a shop and cafe.
Original 18th Century carpets
Finally, the intention is to catalogue all the known original examples of Whitty
carpets and to exhibit a number of the original 18th century carpets which have
already been promised to Axminster Heritage Limited. |
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To
provide a museum that shows the development of the carpet
industry not only in Axminster but also throughout England |
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To
enable the public to see original Axminster carpets
and gain 'hands-on' experience of carpet making
both old and new |
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To
illustrate the history and heritage of Axminster
through the ages |
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To
facilitate a valuable educational resource for
schools, colleges and scholars of all ages with
the provision of both lecture and study facilities |
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