The Weavers' Tales

GIFT OF REPLICA THOMAS WHITTY DESIGNED CARPET TO THE NATION

Axminster Carpets have generously agreed, at the behest of the project committee, to manufacture a replica Thomas Whitty carpet to be given to the nation.

Through the Lord Lieutenant’s office, the committee approached His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accept the carpet on behalf of the people of Great Britain. Several visits have already taken place between the design team at Axminster Carpets and His Royal Highness’s private staff. His Royal Highness has already looked at several of Thomas Whitty’s original designs and negotiations as to the final choice are in hand.

His Royal Highness has been invited to visit the town of Axminster during the celebrations in 2005 to receive the carpet in person.
Axminster Carpets have expressed a deep wish that this particular event should not be seen through “commercial eyes” and discussions are taking place regarding this. Axminster Carpets will pay for the manufacturing of the carpet but will accept any help from the town of Axminster towards this project.

The fact that this particular part of the project has already gone so far down the line gives credence to the rest of the aims and, of course, with His Royal Highness’s involvement, total recognition and credibility for the celebrating of the 250th anniversary of Thomas Whitty’s first carpet.

Advisors to the project

Mr & Mrs Colin Style Researchers of Historic Axminster

Mr Nigel Cole Senior Partner, Beviss & Beckinsale Solicitors

Ms Ishbel Ramsay [Current] Arts Development Officer, EDDC

Mr David Pagett Chief Leisure Officer, EDDC

Mr Hugo Swire Member of Parliament for East Devon

The Lady Jean Polworth

Axminster Museum

Mr Simon Dutfield Managing Director, Axminster Carpets

Contributors to the project

Axminster Carpets

Axminster Power Tool Centre

East Devon District Council

Axe Vale Garden & Crafts Festival

Mr Fred Wells Director, Wells Carpets

THE PERSONNEL

The project has not only captured the imagination of the townspeople but has inspired many of our leading businessmen and dignitaries into joining the steering committee. They are as follows:

Patron Sir Neville Marriner

Chairman Dr John Church

Vice Chairman Mr Laurence Hitchcock - Purchasing Manager, Axminster Carpets

Treasurer Mr Roger Gillard - Chartered Accountant

Secretary Mrs Karen Hussey

Commitee Members

Mr James Rowe Lord of the Manor of Axminster

Mr Ian Styles Director, Axminster Power Tool Centre

Cllr. Andrew Moulding Leisure Portfolio Holder, E.D.D.C.

Mr Roger Durrant

Mr Julian Shaw

Mr Fred Wells

Mrs Katina Styles

Mr Neil Mackenzie

Advisors to the Project

Cllr. Paul Diviani Economy Portfolio Holder E.D.D.C.

The Reverend John Good Rector of Axminster

Mrs Elizabeth Stonex Garden Design Consultant

Ms Brenda Rose National Authority on Historic Axminster Carpets

Miss Alison Young Granddaughter of Harry Dutfield

Mrs Cynthia Dunn Director, organiser and writer of the community play

Mr Steve Black Writer & Theatre Owner

Mr Philip Evans Editor, Pullmans Weekly News

THE WELCOME

Welcome to this unique project. The celebration of the 250th anniversary of Axminster’s first carpet is a moment in time that must not be ignored. The importance of this date is not only relevant to the town and the people of Axminster, but also to the nation, as it represents all that is excellent in British ingenuity, originality and the shaping of the world we live in today.

This feasibility study will show that as a community it is possible to celebrate the achievements of two extraordinary men: Thomas Whitty and Harry Dutfield. The former of course the originator of the carpet industry in Axminster and the latter the man who re-introduced the industry back to the town in the 1930’s. The parallels between these two men’s lives and business acumen is quite astonishing and relevant, for in many ways one could not have succeeded without the other. There have been a myriad of ideas as how best to celebrate the anniversary and the steering committee have whittled these down to the ones in this study. The aims are good and true as you will see and will leave a lasting legacy to the carpet industry for which the town of Axminster is known worldwide.

THE AIMS

1. To manufacture a replica Thomas Whitty design and present the carpet to the nation.

2. To write and produce a community play that re-enacts the arrival of King George III and the Royal Party to Axminster and the Royal Party’s visit to the old carpet factory.

3. The above play to be staged across the summer of 2005 in the old carpet
factory on a daily basis using both professional and local actors and actresses.

4. To establish a working carpet museum in the town as a lasting legacy.

5. To design, plant and maintain a permanent dyer’s garden close to the town centre and a floral tribute in the form of a “carpet of flowers” at the entrance to the town.

6. To set up and maintain a high quality website for the entire project.

7. To commission a new piece of music to accompany the mid-summer day’s
celebration and the film.

8. To mint 3000 Thomas Whitty coins.

9. To write and publish a booklet about the lives and times of the two men.

10. To restore a period loom.

Commissioning of a play entitled "The Weavers' Tales"

Axminster prides itself on its history, its quality of business and industry and its ever growing artistic reputation. It is only logical, therefore, to commission a specially written play about the life and times of Thomas Whitty and Harry Dutfield and to stage it over the summer of 2005 in the old carpet factory. Axminster Carpets have given their permission for the use of the old factory and discussions are underway as to how to get the building up to a standard acceptable for today’s public requirements. As a consequence not only will the play be staged there but also it will be performed within a building that will eventually house the permanent working carpet museum (see under separate heading).

It will mirror the lives and times of the two carpet pioneers and will be factual and educational as well as an historical piece of theatre.

To stage the play in the environment of the old factory is, of course, a bonus. The building’s natural atmosphere, as well as its history, will go a long way in helping audiences and actors alike to appreciate the play’s content.

It is planned to engage community actors to play the main parts in this wonderful story and to enlist local children as performers for the smaller parts.

Wide ranging publicity will be initiated to encourage as many tourists to our town during the summer of 2005 to see the play and we are confident of full houses and a better appreciation of our town, its people and its history.

Working Carpet Museum

It has long been a wish of many people that Axminster should have a museum befitting the industry that has made our town world famous. There is currently a town museum that would be greatly enhanced from relocation into dedicated premises. It is run by enthusiastic, knowledgeable volunteers and houses some carpet artefacts and memorabilia alongside the wealth of other items appertaining to our town’s history. Through a series of conversations and idea swapping it has become a realistic plan that the old carpet factory can be become a dedicated working carpet museum and incorporate the existing museum’s total collection and potentially the Tourist Information Centre that is sited next to the current museum.

The “Whitty Dutfield Museum” has been selected as a potential name for the museum. As the “Weavers’ Tales” project is already one year old it has, through extensive research, started to collate many artefacts, photographs and a wealth of information regarding Thomas Whitty and Harry Dutfield and of course the carpets themselves. By the time 2005 comes round enough material will have been gathered and located to form the basis for a top quality museum. To make it a “working” museum with lasting educational values is even more exciting and many feasible ideas regarding this have been suggested, researched and some foundation stones have already been laid. For example, a working period loom, see under separate heading, computers to allow the public to design a carpet, “hands-on” dyeing and an opportunity for the public to see for themselves the whole process of manufacture from start to finish, both back in the 1700’s and in the 21st century.

As a tourist attraction the new museum would be of enormous benefit to the town of Axminster and would provide many educational opportunities for our own schools as well as other education outlets by means of professional workshops in all aspects of carpet making and design, both period and modern, as well as guided tours that explain in more detail the history of Axminster.

Discussions are taking place as to how the setting up and continuance of the new museum should be approached. It is felt that the museum should be under a trusteeship and that professional guidance in the field of museums should be sought.

The value of the contribution that two great men have made to society, and to the lives of the people of Axminster, is vast, a museum depicting this, and the town’s history, is a fitting tribute as well as a lasting legacy.

Permanent "Dyer's Garden" and Temporary Flower Bed

One of the most intriguing and brilliant pieces of Thomas Whitty’s achievements is the vibrancy of the colours in his carpets. This, of course, is due to the selection and use of plants and flowers for his dyes. We are still not sure exactly what he used as it was a closely guarded secret but we have unearthed, if you’ll excuse the pun, some sites where Whitty grew flora for this intricate process. Indeed it is thought that on one particular site some descendant plants are still growing wild! A permanent “dyers garden” where flora can be grown and cultivated for the public to view will bring to life the methods of production of the organic dyes.

The garden in the centre of Axminster at the Arts Cafe (in the building of the old town gaol has been made available for such a project). Mrs Elizabeth Stonex is one of the Country’s leading specialist garden design consultants and she has agreed to oversee and participate in this particular aim. With all the relevant information available for the public to read regarding the garden and its contents, as well as a place to sit and reflect, the instigation of a "Dyer’s Garden" would become another lasting legacy to the skill of the Weaver.

The site for a temporary “Carpet of Flowers” has already been booked through East Devon District Council. The site is opposite The Axminster Guildhall on the main road into Axminster from Exeter. Again, Mrs Elizabeth Stonex has agreed to oversee this and it is her plan that the blooms will be out to correspond with the celebratory period in 2005.

High Quality Web Site

These days a high quality web site is, of course, a necessity. A web site has been designed and will be in place to cover the duration of the project and beyond. It is being designed so that anyone who logs on will be able to see and keep in touch with the developments of all aspects of the project. These include the potential Royal Visit, the “dyer’s garden”, the restoration of the loom, the play, etc, as well as being able to visit relative sites regarding Thomas Whitty and Harry Dutfield, Axminster Carpets themselves, Axminster’s history, Axminster Today and all related topics. Web sites are an integral part of any modern project and need good and well thought out design. The use of the web site for promotional reasons is of course a great way to increase tourism, promote business, industry, the arts and leisure and any fund raising or other events relating to “The Weavers’ Tales” project. Through the web site we hope to link many of the town’s existing sites enabling any user to get a full and accurate picture of what Axminster has to offer.

A Commissioned Work of Music

There is an ever increasing number of high quality musicians and artists coming to live in our area. The arts scene is exciting and eclectic encompassing painters, potters, writers, musicians, designers, dancers, singers and actors. There is entertainment everywhere: galleries, pubs, theatres and halls, studios and cafés, churches and clubs. There are not too many days in the year when you cannot find something to see, hear or participate in. The town is blessed in this respect. It seems only fitting then that a commissioned piece of music should be written to accompany the 250th anniversary, that can be used both for the community film and for the play, a piece of music that could be performed live for the potential Royal Visit.

Thomas Whitty Coins

Back in the late 1700’s Thomas Whitty minted his own coins which were used to pay his workforce and could only be spent in certain establishments and businesses in Axminster. It seems a rather bizarre concept these days but shows once again the absolute uniqueness of the man. Some of these coins are still in existence and it is planned to mint a replica Thomas Whitty coin to give to every person who participates in the project as a souvenir of the anniversary. As we anticipate there being anything up to 3000 people involved locally this would be provide a way of remembering the anniversary and the man himself.

LOGISTICS

"The Weavers' Tales" Play-musical

Once commissioned the finished play-musical must be ready to rehearse four months before the first performance. Cynthia Dunn has been appointed and is responsible for staging the play and all production nuances. For all actors in the play, who will come from local societies etc, rehearsal time is essential. As the play is to run for one season only it would be of value to film several of the performances and produce a definitive video that could be used as a visual exhibit in the new museum.
A small sub-committee should be set up when necessary to oversee the smooth running of this part of the project. The sub committee should be called “Weavers’ Tales Play Committee” and a Chairperson and two other members should be appointed or co-opted as the main committee sees fit with the chairperson being directly responsible to the Project Director and he directly to the main committee.

The Whitty Dutfield Carpet Museum

There would seem to be few objections to this aim and it is felt that a sub-committee, called “Carpet Museum Committee”, should be set up immediately. The sub-committee should appoint a Chairperson and three other members whom can be co-opted if necessary to oversee the setting up of this lasting legacy. The Chairperson being directly responsible to the Project Director and he in turn to the main committee.

With the building already in place and verbal agreement to site a museum within it, it only remains for the building itself to be acquired and to be made ready for public use. As previously mentioned, the nature of the project will produce many artefacts, documents, tools of the trade and other related items.

When the restoration of the working period loom is finished it would form a central exhibit of the museum alongside examples of Whitty designed carpets and those from the current factory.

Small parts of the original factory, that partly burnt down in 1828, stand on the site of the proposed museum and this enhances the historical atmosphere which will be reflected in the community play.

The many documents and old photographs which still exist will ensure that the museum’s content will be of interest, importance and educational value.

Many avenues will need to be explored before the museum could open but this can be achieved within the time available.

"Dyer's Garden" and a "Carpet of Flowers"

This particular aim is already well advanced. There is no need to appoint a committee for this project as it is felt that as long as the main committee agree that Mrs Elizabeth Stonex should be asked to head this project she will be directly responsible to the main committee.

The Commemorative Book

As the two main contributors to the book are already working on this part of the project it would make sense for the proposed editor of the book to oversee the project. A sub–committee called “Book Committee” should be set up with the editor appointed Chair and the contributors to the book as committee members. The Chair being directly responsible to the main committee.
In the advent of the main committee setting up a publishing company for the commissioned music it would make sense to use that for the publishing of the book.
It is envisaged that the book will be a non-profit making activity and is being produced for commemorative purposes not commercial ones. The contributors are giving their time free of charge for this project as is the Editor.

The book is now available from Philip Evans Media.

Restoration of the Loom

With consultation having already taken place regarding this part of the project, it is suggested that the existing committee members representing Axminster Carpets and Axminster Power Tool Centre continue to deal with the restoration and report their progress directly to the main committee.

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

The educational value attached to this project is of enormous value. All of the local schools and educational outlets will be approached to contribute to the project. There are many varied and exciting avenues that can be explored by the teachers and pupils alike. Discussions are underway with a number of Head Teachers and several ideas have already been put forward. They include: website contribution, museum contribution via research into the towns history, costume, music and art research into the period and to play a part in the re-enactments. More ideas and possibilities will come to light through further discussions and it is obvious that the involvement of local students will form an integral part of the project and, more importantly, will be of enormous educational benefit to all who participate.

BUILDINGS AND SITES

The Old Carpet Factory

The old Carpet factory, situated in Silver Street, Axminster, is owned by Axminster Carpets and is currently used as a warehouse/storage area. Many of the original features of the factory remain and indeed some restoration work has already taken place. It is a three story building with the top two floors being laid out for offices, none of which are currently occupied. Access to the building is easy from Silver Street and is a stone’s throw away from the town centre.

The Minster Church

The Minster Church of St. Mary is situated at the very heart of Axminster town centre. It is a building of great architectural beauty and is, of course, of enormous importance to the people of Axminster. Its current Rector, The Reverend John Good, has been of huge help to the project so far and has thrown his and the Church’s support behind the celebrations.

The Church is sited opposite the old carpet factory and Thomas Whitty’s residence.

The Church Green has seen many community events held on it over the years and will be used again for part of the 250th anniversary celebration.

The United Reform Church

The United Reform Church is situated in Chard Street, Axminster and is a short walk from the town centre. Originally it was the site of the Independent Church and was used by Thomas Whitty both for worship and for the displaying over the pews for public viewing of each finished carpet. Thomas Whitty’s tomb is in the small grounds of the Church and has easy public access.

The George Hotel

An inn has stood on the site of The George Hotel for many centuries. It took its present name in 1760 on the coronation of King George III and was the setting down point for the Royal Party’s visit to Axminster some 23 years later. The importance to Axminster as a building is enormous. Not only do four roads surround the exterior of the hotel today but they have always done so. It was, in historic terms, the main artery of the town as it was the major coaching stop between Dorchester and Exeter.

One of the main features of the hotel is the fine Adam Room and therein lies a connection to Axminster Carpets. Samuel Ramson, who owned the lease for the George Hotel at the time, also owned the building that became the original carpet factory, and it was Mr Rampson’s daughter Sarah who became Mrs. Thomas Whitty.

The Adam Room was designed by the prolific and highly regarded Robert Adam who also provided the designs for some of the carpets manufactured by Thomas Whitty. This collaboration was not confined to the hotel but on many of Robert Adam’s projects.

In recent years the Adam Room has been tastefully and faithfully renovated to something near its original design and the room is used for many local functions.