If you’ve ever walked on a plush carpet, chances are it was an Axminster Carpet. It’s a household name in the world of floor coverings, and if you’re wondering who owns Axminster Carpets, you’re about to find out. The company has been in business for over 250 years, and its soft carpets have become synonymous with luxury and comfort.
Despite its long history, Axminster Carpets has faced its share of challenges. The company has had to adapt to changing trends in flooring and compete against new, innovative companies. However, as a result of its time-honored craftsmanship and impeccable quality, Axminster Carpets has been able to withstand the test of time. Now, let’s take a closer look at this iconic brand and discover who is behind its continued success.
History of Axminster Carpets
Axminster Carpets have a rich history that spans over 250 years. The company was first established in 1755 in Axminster, Devon, England, by Thomas Whitty. Whitty was a weaver, who found a way to replicate the intricate patterns of Oriental rugs using local wool.
By the 19th century, Axminster Carpets had become a household name, producing carpets for members of the British royal family and other notable figures. However, the company faced difficulties during the World War II, and its production was halted. Fortunately, in 1949, the company was revived and went on to become a significant player in the carpet industry.
- Axminster Carpets received the Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II in 2013, recognizing the company’s commitment to British manufacturing
- The company has also won numerous awards, including the Silver Award for Best Carpet Manufacturer at the 2017 House Beautiful Awards
- Axminster Carpets also has a long-standing tradition of experimenting with different materials and techniques to create unique and innovative products
Today, Axminster Carpets is owned by Brintons Carpets Limited, a British carpet manufacturer founded in 1783. Brintons Carpets acquired Axminster Carpets in 2016, leading to the integration of two of Britain’s most iconic carpet brands. The acquisition has allowed Axminster Carpets to leverage Brintons Carpets’ expertise in manufacturing and technology while retaining its heritage and unique identity.
The company continues to produce high-quality carpets using traditional methods but has introduced modern designs and colors to appeal to contemporary tastes. Axminster Carpets also supports sustainable and ethical practices, sourcing wool from farms in the UK and New Zealand known for their responsible breeding and shearing practices.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1755 | Thomas Whitty establishes Axminster Carpets in Axminster, Devon, England |
| 19th Century | Axminster Carpets becomes a household name and produces carpets for members of the British royal family and other notable figures |
| 1949 | Production is resumed after being halted during World War II |
| 2013 | Axminster Carpets receives the Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II |
| 2016 | Brintons Carpets Limited acquires Axminster Carpets |
Axminster Carpets continues to be a symbol of British craftsmanship, innovation, and tradition, representing the country’s rich heritage and commitment to excellence.
Origin of Axminster Carpets
Axminster carpets are a type of hand-knotted or machine-made floor covering originally produced exclusively in the town of Axminster, located in the southwestern part of England. The town of Axminster has a rich history that dates back to the Roman times, and the tradition of carpet weaving started in the early 18th century.
During this time, Thomas Whitty, a weaver from the town, redefined the carpet-making process by inventing the Axminster weaving method. This method involved weaving the pile and backing of the carpets separately and then attaching them together. Prior to this invention, carpets were made using the tapestry weaving method that produced a less durable and more cumbersome product.
Ownership of Axminster Carpets
- In 1835, the company was acquired by Harry Dutfield, a wealthy entrepreneur who moved the operation to the Buckfastleigh area of Devonshire.
- In 1937, the company was nationalized by the British Government and was merged with several other carpet manufacturers to form the Carpet and Textile Company (Carpets) Limited.
- During the 1970s and 1980s, the carpet industry in the United Kingdom experienced significant decline due to various factors, including the influx of cheaper imported carpets and the rise of synthetic fibers. As a result, the Carpet and Textile Company went bankrupt in 1990, and Axminster Carpets was sold to a group of investors led by the Dutfield family.
- Currently, Axminster Carpets is owned by a group of private investors led by the Dutfield family, who have been involved in the carpet industry for over 250 years. The company specializes in producing high-quality carpets using traditional methods and natural materials such as wool, silk, and linen.
Production of Axminster Carpets
Axminster carpets are produced using the traditional weaving technique that was invented by Thomas Whitty over 200 years ago. This method involves using a loom to weave together the pile (the tufted surface of the carpet) and the backing (the base of the carpet) simultaneously. The yarn used for the pile is inserted through the backing and looped around wires that are set in the warp of the loom.
After the pile and backing are woven together, the carpet is sheared to create a uniform surface and then washed and dried. The final step is to apply a layer of latex to the backing to improve the stability and durability of the carpet.
Conclusion
Axminster carpets are an important part of British cultural heritage and have been produced using traditional methods for over 200 years. Although the ownership of the company has changed hands several times, the tradition of producing high-quality carpets using natural materials has remained the same.
| Ownership Timeline of Axminster Carpets |
|---|
| 1695 – Weaving of Axminster Carpets began in the town of Axminster, England. |
| 1835 – Company was acquired by Harry Dutfield. |
| 1937 – Nationalized by the British Government and merged with several other carpet manufacturers to form the Carpet and Textile Company (Carpets) Limited. |
| 1990 – The Carpet and Textile Company went bankrupt. |
| 1992 – Axminster Carpets was sold to a group of investors led by the Dutfield family. |
| Present – Axminster Carpets is owned by a group of private investors led by the Dutfield family. |
Axminster Carpets has a bright future ahead as it continues to uphold the tradition of producing high-quality carpets that are both aesthetically pleasing and durable.
Current ownership status of Axminster Carpets
Axminster Carpets is an English carpet manufacturing company known for producing high-quality carpets and rugs since 1755. Over the years, the company has undergone several changes in ownership, which have affected its operations and financial stability. In this article, we’ll explore the current ownership status of Axminster Carpets, taking into account its history and current situation.
- Axminster Carpets was first owned by Thomas Whitty, who founded the company in Axminster, Devon. Whitty’s family managed the business until the late 1800s, when it was sold to Harry Dutfield.
- Dutfield ran the company until his death in the 1930s, after which it was passed down to his son. The Dutfield family maintained ownership until 1984, when the company was sold to a consortium of local businessmen.
- The consortium ran Axminster Carpets until 1996 when it went public, listing on the London Stock Exchange. However, the company struggled financially, and in 2013 it was acquired by a group of investors led by hedge fund manager Stephen Boyd.
- In 2019, Axminster Carpets was acquired by Wilton Carpets, a rival carpet manufacturer based in Wiltshire, England. Wilton Carpets now owns and operates Axminster Carpets, incorporating it into its portfolio and continuing to produce carpets and rugs under the Axminster Carpets brand.
Although Axminster Carpets has undergone changes in ownership over the years, it has managed to maintain its reputation for quality and craftsmanship. Today, under the ownership of Wilton Carpets, the company continues to produce bespoke carpets and rugs that are enjoyed by customers all over the world.
Here is a table summarizing the ownership history of Axminster Carpets:
| Owner | Years of Ownership |
|---|---|
| Thomas Whitty | 1755-1800s |
| Harry Dutfield | 1930s-1984 |
| Consortium of Local Businessmen | 1984-1996 |
| Stephen Boyd | 2013-2019 |
| Wilton Carpets | 2019-Present |
In conclusion, the history of Axminster Carpets illustrates how a company can survive and thrive through several changes in ownership. Today, under the ownership of Wilton Carpets, the future looks bright for Axminster Carpets as it continues to produce high-quality carpets and rugs.
Potential buyers of Axminster Carpets
Axminster Carpets, known for their beautiful and intricately designed carpets, is a popular choice for homeowners and businesses. While customers from all walks of life could potentially purchase Axminster Carpets, there are certain groups that are more likely to purchase from this brand. Here are some potential buyers of Axminster Carpets:
- Homeowners: Homeowners who appreciate high-quality, luxurious carpets are a key demographic for Axminster Carpets. These customers may be looking to upgrade their home’s interior or may be building a new home and want only the best for their flooring.
- Interior Designers: Interior designers are often on the lookout for unique and high-end products to incorporate into their projects. Axminster Carpets, with their intricate designs and luxurious feel, are a perfect match for high-end residential and commercial spaces.
- Hotels and Restaurants: Luxury hotels and restaurants often require carpets that are durable, stain-resistant and have a high aesthetic appeal. Axminster Carpets, with their high durability and stunning designs, are a popular choice for these establishments.
Why choose Axminster Carpets?
There are many reasons why customers choose Axminster Carpets. Here are just a few:
- Quality: Axminster Carpets are known for their high-quality construction and materials. Customers who value durability and longevity in their carpets often choose Axminster for this reason.
- Design: Axminster Carpets are renowned for their intricate designs. Customers who value unique and beautiful designs often choose Axminster Carpets.
- Heritage: Axminster Carpets has a rich history and is one of the oldest carpet manufacturers in the world. Customers who value tradition and history often choose Axminster Carpets for this reason.
Axminster Carpets Availability
Axminster Carpets can be purchased from a variety of retailers. Some retailers that carry Axminster Carpets include Carpetright, John Lewis, and Tapi Carpets. Customers can also purchase directly from the Axminster Carpets website.
| Retailer | Availability |
|---|---|
| Carpetright | In-store and online |
| John Lewis | In-store and online |
| Tapi Carpets | In-store and online |
| Axminster Carpets | Directly from website |
Regardless of who buys Axminster Carpets, all customers can expect to receive a high-quality, beautifully designed carpet that will last for years to come.
Contribution of Axminster Carpets to the Carpet Industry
Axminster Carpets, established in 1755, is one of the oldest and most respected carpet manufacturers in the world. Over the years, it has made significant contributions to the carpet industry, including:
- The creation of the axminster carpet weaving technique, which involves weaving threads through a backing material to create a durable and intricate pattern. This technique allowed for the production of more complex designs and the use of a wider range of colors than traditional carpet weaving methods.
- The development of the Wilton carpet weaving technique, which involves using a continuous yarn to create a looped pile. This technique produced a hard-wearing and dense carpet that was suitable for high-traffic areas.
- The introduction of innovative designs and patterns, which made carpet a desirable and fashionable choice for home and business interiors.
Axminster Carpets has also contributed to the preservation of the carpet weaving industry in the UK. In the early 20th century, many carpet manufacturers moved production overseas to take advantage of cheaper labor. However, Axminster Carpets remained committed to UK production and has helped to keep the skills and tradition of carpet weaving alive in the country.
Today, Axminster Carpets continues to be at the forefront of carpet design and production. Its carpets can be found in prestigious locations around the world, including Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Houses of Parliament in London. The company’s legacy of innovation and quality has helped to shape the carpet industry and establish the UK as a world leader in carpet manufacturing.
Features of Axminster Carpets
Axminster Carpets are known for their exceptional quality, durability, and stunning designs. Here are some of the key features that make Axminster Carpets stand out:
- High-Quality Materials: Axminster Carpets are made from the finest materials, including 80% wool and 20% synthetic fibers, ensuring durability and softness.
- Custom Design Options: Due to Axminster Carpet’s weaving technique, they can create intricate designs and patterns on a custom basis, allowing customers to create bespoke carpets in line with their home decor needs.
- No Fading or Shading: Axminster Carpets have an excellent resistance to fading and shading, retaining their vibrant color for many years to come.
Design Flexibility
Axminster Carpets provide a wide range of design options to choose from, including a range of textures, patterns, and colors. One of the unique features of Axminster Carpets is that it allows for customized designs for commercial and domestic properties.
These carpets are versatile, and hence they can easily be used in a broad range of interior spaces such as retail shops, hotels, restaurants, and homes. The virtuosity of axminster carpets is that it can fit any theme or style regardless of its complexity or simplicity.
Durability
Axminster Carpets are known for their high wear-resistance, making them an excellent investment for long-term use. They are made to handle heavy foot traffic, and unlike most carpets, they do not quickly wear and tear, which makes these carpets more durable than other comparable carpet types. An Axminster carpet can last for decades if appropriately maintained.
Patterned vs. Plain Axminster Carpets
Axminster Carpets come in two different styles – Patterned and Plain.
| Patterned | Plain |
|---|---|
| The patterned Axminster carpets have intricate designs that come in a wide range of styles and colors, making them the ideal choice for people looking for a statement carpet to add to their home or commercial space. | The plain Axminster carpets are a popular choice for customers who want more subtle flooring options that can blend with various styles and color schemes. |
Both patterned and plain Axminster Carpets offer excellent quality and allow interior designers to bring their design visions to life.
Production process of Axminster Carpets
Axminster Carpets is an English carpet manufacturing company that has been in business for over 250 years. The brand has been synonymous with luxury and quality and is still in high demand in today’s market. The unique production process behind Axminster Carpets is one of the reasons for this. Let’s dive into the process step by step.
- Yarn dyeing: The process begins with yarn dyeing. The yarn passes through a dye house where it is dyed to the required color scheme. Axminster Carpets has over 650 different colors to choose from to create their signature designs.
- Warping: The dyed yarns are then placed on a warping beam where they are arranged by order, and the collective length of yarn is calculated based upon the requirement of the design project. The yarn is then wound onto the warp beam.
- Reed and harness set-up: Once the yarn is on the warp beam, the reed and harness is set up. Reed is a part of the loom that separates and spaces the warp yarns to create the desired density, and the harness is used to lift and lower the yarns as the shuttle passes through the shed.
- Weaving: The weaving process of Axminster Carpets is carried out on a Jacquard loom. The ordered colors are threaded through the harnesses and reeds in a specific pattern to lift or lower selected warp threads to form a shed for the weft yarns to pass through. This is done by the Jacquard mechanism, which controls each individual thread independently, creating the desired pattern or design.
- Shearing: The newly woven carpet is then sheared to a precise and uniform height. The shearing process defines how the carpet will look and feel.
- Secondary backing: A secondary backing is then applied to the back of the carpet to provide extra stability and durability.
- Final inspection: Lastly, every Axminster Carpet is visually and physically inspected for any defects or flaws before it is dispatched. This ensures that every single carpet that leaves the factory is perfect in every way.
The Benefits of Axminster Carpets Production Process
The Axminster Carpets’ production process is not only unique but highly efficient and produces beautiful and durable carpets. Since each thread is independently controlled, Jacquard looms can weave highly complex and intricate patterns. The shearing process can be closely controlled, and the secondary backing adds extra stability, making Axminster Carpets suitable for high foot traffic areas like hotels and offices. The final inspection guarantees that each carpet is of the highest quality and will last for years to come.
Why Choose Axminster Carpets?
Axminster Carpets is a heritage brand with a rich history and a passion for luxury and quality. Their carpets can be found in leading hotels, royal palaces, and high-end establishments all over the world. The unique production process produces beautifully designed and durable carpets that are built to last for years to come. If you’re looking for a high-quality, luxury carpet that will add charm and elegance to any space, Axminster Carpets is the perfect choice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality luxury carpets | Higher in cost than other carpets |
| Unique production process ensures durability and longevity | Narrow range of designs |
| Ideal for high traffic areas | May not be suitable for smaller projects or budgets |
Overall, Axminster Carpets is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, luxury carpet that will last for years to come.
Who Owns Axminster Carpets: FAQs
Q: Who owns Axminster Carpets?
A: Axminster Carpets is currently owned by Karndean Designflooring, a UK-based vinyl flooring manufacturer.
Q: When did Karndean Designflooring acquire Axminster Carpets?
A: Karndean Designflooring acquired Axminster Carpets in 2019, after the company went into administration.
Q: What happened to Axminster Carpets before it was acquired by Karndean Designflooring?
A: Axminster Carpets was facing financial difficulties and went into administration in February 2019. Karndean Designflooring acquired the company shortly after.
Q: Is Axminster Carpets still operating under its own brand name?
A: Yes, Axminster Carpets continues to operate under its own brand name. However, it is now a subsidiary of Karndean Designflooring.
Q: Are Axminster Carpets still made in the UK?
A: Yes, Axminster Carpets are still made in the UK. The company’s manufacturing facilities are based in Axminster, Devon.
Q: Does Karndean Designflooring produce carpet as well as vinyl flooring?
A: No, Karndean Designflooring specializes in luxury vinyl flooring and does not produce carpet.
Q: Is Axminster Carpets a well-known brand?
A: Yes, Axminster Carpets is a well-known brand in the UK, particularly for its high-quality woven carpets.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading. We hope this article has helped answer any questions you may have had about who owns Axminster Carpets. If you’re in the market for new flooring, be sure to consider their range of quality woven carpets. Don’t hesitate to visit our site again for more informative articles.