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The Axminster Collection
Change is afoot (or should that be underfoot?): just as House of Hackney spearheaded the renaissance of painterly wallpaper in the 21st century, our new collection with Axminster Carpets signals the revival of exquisitely woven rugs, runners and carpets in the home.
The synergy between our two brands is immediately apparent. While we have become known for creating “art on walls”, Axminster has been making “art on the floor” for centuries. And, not only are we both proud to be British, but we’re also champions of traditional craftsmanship and environmentally friendly methods.
Hailed as icons of interior design, Axminster Carpets are the historic manufacturers of the world’s finest floor coverings – renowned for their centuries of artistry and expertise as well as their pioneering spirit. At the company’s Devonshire factory, the same looms and techniques of old are still harnessed, only now with modern technology added in to create magnificent patterns that would have been previously unimaginable. But the craftsman’s art reigns ever supreme, with Axminster’s famous 8-pitch weave creating carpets of greater detail, definition and colour saturation than anyone else.
Every stage of Axminster’s production process – from wool-dyeing to spinning to weaving – takes place in the UK. A meticulous level of care and attention is paid along the way: only the finest wool is sourced from British sheep, which is specially blended to suit each particular carpet. Then, as a finishing touch once said carpet is made, the top of the pile is given a little trim to produce a luxurious, velvety-soft feel that marks out an Axminster from the rest. And this is all while the company remains devoted to protecting the environment – be it through locally sourcing raw materials or repurposing old ones (such as recycled carpets or even exhausted rubber tyres) to create its underlays. So, seeing as we have a whole lot in common, it was only natural that House of Hackney and Axminster would join forces on a collection that not only celebrates our shared values, but the glorious beauty of patterned floors.
Our debut outing together comprises four of House of Hackney’s most-loved motifs. First is ARTEMIS, our famously psychedelic floral, given the classic Axminster treatment with an intricate border and a centralised, oval-shaped pattern. Next is WILD CARD, its perfectly proportioned leopard spots coating the floor in a neutral shade of ‘Butterscotch’. Then there’s BLACKTHORN, the reimagining of an 1892 Art Nouveau print by William Morris. Look closely and you’ll spot the secret skull hiding amongst its symmetrical blooms, epitomising the gothic undertones that permeate House of Hackney designs. Completing the line-up is SABER, our iconic tiger motif – itself based on traditional Tibetan rugs. Again, it’s been given an Axminster (and slightly Anglicised) twist with tactile fringing, the classic gold-toned tiger now rendered in a more imposing, rectangular silhouette.
The entire collection will be woven on one loom from just nine shades of yarn, the colours ranging from ‘Petrol’ and ‘Vermillion’ to ‘Blush’ and ‘Tobacco’ – all hand-picked to represent House of Hackney’s signature palette. And courtesy of Axminster’s carefully selected wool, the designs feel sumptuously soft and invitingly cosy – as well as boasting the fibre’s long list of benefits.
Spinning a Yarn
From the factory's humble beginnings to its most recent renaissance, unravel a tale with more twists than the famous Axminster weave itself...
The result is something truly special – a collection that is ingrained with history yet makes a contemporary statement. At once a covetable piece of art and a cosy finishing touch, each piece has the power to serve as the main event in a room or to act as an anchor by pulling its myriad elements together. And for the uninitiated, a rug or runner is also the perfect way to introduce a touch of colour, pattern and personality to a space – best of all, if that space happens to be rented or you ever want to move on, you can simply roll it up and take all that character with you when you leave. As for how and where to style it, there are no rules (there never are in our House). Just go with the print you feel most drawn to and the size that works best with the dimensions of the room you have in mind.
No matter where it lives, or how many people, pets or pieces of furniture it must put up with, an Axminster creation is a “future heirloom”, made to last for decades to come – and you’ll be sure to love it for just as long.
Unveil the magic of carpets, rugs and runners in your home
Ready to take to the floor? Explore the House of Hackney by Axminster Carpets collection in full or book a complimentary Decorating Consultation to discover which design is right for your space.
