‘Axminster at War, 1939 – 1945’
Saturday 19th April, 2025 at 10am
10am – 4pm
FREE ENTRY FOR EVERYONE
Join us on Saturday 19th April at the Axminster Heritage Centre for the launch of our new temporary exhibition: ‘Axminster at War, 1939 – 1945’, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Not only will we be joined by Axminster Town Crier, Nick Goodwin and Town Mayor, Jill Farrow at 10am along with the Axminster Royal British Legion (who will have a stall inside the museum all day), we are delighted that we also have two special ladies officially opening our exhibition – Maggie Rowe and Diana Courtenay-Smith. Both ladies were children during the Second World War (Maggie in Axminster and Diana in Portsmouth) and them being here is a pertinent reminder of how WW2 affected the lives of everyone – young and old alike.
We are also delighted to announce that talented local vocalist, Jay Hobday will be performing songs from the 1940s for us at 10:30am – 11:15am in the museum courtyard, but if the good old British weather has other ideas for us then we will move indoors!
After the opening festivities you are free to view the exhibition and the accompanying items from our collection including an original 1940s Home Guard overcoat and tunic belonging to Axminster resident, Dick Snell, a baby’s Mickey Mouse gas mask and a collection of WW2 lapel and pin badges.
‘Axminster at War, 1939 – 1945’ has been curated by our Centre Manager, Nigel Sadler who will be on hand to answer any questions and talk more about the exhibition and what life was like for those who eighty years ago lived, fought and died for their country and the freedom we enjoy today.
The Axminster Story:
A lot more than just great carpets.
Discover the history of the town • Celebrate its carpets, crafts and skills • Meet and join with today’s community
Just dropping in or passing by?
Visit our Heritage Centre in the heart of the town
Get a flavour of our Local History, check out our Events, take a Town Trail or find things to do at Tourist Information
Want to dig a little deeper?
If you want more in-depth information explore our extensive local history pages find surviving early Axminster carpets or browse our photographic gallery
Like to take part in local activities?
Come along and join us for a friendly programme of events to inspire and enjoy
Want to get involved?
Join our team, meet interesting people, make new friends or learn new skills. Become a Member, leave us a legacy in your will or nominate us for a donation when you shop online
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How to get involved with Axminster Heritage
Sign up to receive news of our Events, Workshops and talks
The Axminster Heritage Centre
opened April 2019…
The New Heritage Centre provides tourist and local information, a gift shop and a new extended museum. Our friendly volunteers are very welcoming and will be pleased to help you.
A New Extended Museum…
Thia is where ‘The Story of Axminster’ and local history are brought to life in a modern interactive display exhibition for all the whole family. Children can enjoy their own trail with dressing up points and interactive activities.
The Dye House, Courtyard and Garden…
In the courtyard, beside the restored Dye House, our garden helps you learn about the plants used to create the dyes used to colour Axminster carpets.
Temporary Exhibitions…
To complement our permanent exhibition we regularly present and host temporary exhibitions, Check ‘What’s On’ for information.
Information for Tourists and Local Residents…
Find places to visit in the local area, local event information, walks, cycle routes, bus timetables and much more.
Axminster Heritage Alive…
Join in our extensive programme of friendly events, including talks, art and craft courses, films and our very popular coach trips. Check ‘What’s On’
The Bradshaw Meeting Room…
A comfortable venue with a kitchenette, digital projector and Wi-Fi is available to hire for meetings, classes, and community gatherings. Check ‘Venue Hire’
Call us
01297 639884
Email us
info@axminsterheritage.org
The town has origins in the Bronze and Stone Ages, later becoming a crossroads on the Roman Fosse Way. It became a busy agricultural market town post its 1210 charter and an important brush making centre, notably for toothbrushes. Axminster’s world famous quality carpet making business is at the heart of our story. A local man, Thomas Whitty, set up his manufactory in 1755 and it ran until 1835. We regularly add new displays relating to different community interests, these complement our permanent exhibitions.
In addition to the displays in the Gallery we regularly present talks, films, craft courses and social events, see the ‘What’s On’ for details. Fittingly all this is housed on the site of the factory Whitty built for his family business and which subsequently served the town as a court-house and a hospital.
Can You Help Us?
Be a part of writing our history
We are always interested in new information, photographs and material about Axminster and the surrounding villages, and keen to receive comments, corrections and suggestions from people who know the town well, and have views on events which have shaped it. From time to time we have questions about projects with which you may be able to help.
