The origins of the luxury carpet maker can be traced back to Thomas Whitty, who began making carpets and rugs in the town in 1755 using what became known as the Axminster method of weaving.

BBC: Axminster Carpets factory

The red carpet is out at the car park at the back of the building, but it is all covered over with the biggest of marquees.

BBC: Fans queue up outside the Europa

Her old furniture came back: a cloth-covered green couch with a dog pillow, a Persian rug that would cover part of the carpet, a shelf of books, a Yankees baseball cap, and pictures of Babe Ruth, Keith Richards, and E.

NEWYORKER: Changing Times