Derelict for many years, the Dye House has been transformed over the Spring to provide additional space for the Centre to host displays, workshops and other events. Brick-built with a newly-slated roof, it incorporates a well, a substantial brick fireplace with cast-iron fire grate (probably Victorian) and water boiler.
The Dye House was declared open by George Eyre of the George Eyre Trust, a major supporter of Axminster Heritage.
The Chairman of Trustees, Dr John Church, told the guests attending: “The building belongs to you, it belongs to all of us, and today is an opportunity to say how grateful we are to Making it Local for the grant that has made this possible.”
While the weather could have been kinder it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the guests who enjoyed a talk on the history of the building by historian David Knapman as well as the live music, buffet food and drink and the chance to see the finished building.
As part of the future development plan, the Heritage Centre aims to replant the garden space outside the Dye House with plants the dyers would have used.
The Dyehouse opened
