Axminster Carpets Limited is an English manufacturer of carpets, particularly the eponymous Axminster carpets. The company is based in Axminster, Devon.
Background
Whilst visiting Cheapside market in London, Devon-based weaver Thomas Whitty was impressed by a large Turkish carpet that he saw. Upon his return to Axminster, he used his weaving skills to work out how to produce a product of similar quality. After several months work, he completed his first carpet on midsummer's day in 1755.[1]
Whitty's carpets, looking much like horizontal tapestries, became the benchmark for wealthy aristocrats to have in their country homes and town houses, between 1755 and 1835. The company produced Axminster carpets for: the music room of the Royal Pavilion, Brighton; Chatsworth House; Powderham Castle; Saltram House; and Warwick Castle. King George III and Queen Charlotte purchased Axminster carpets and also visited the factory.[1]