Preparations are well underway for a three-day exhibition dedicated to Laura Ashley at the heart of the Powys village where the fashion designer’s family built their world-famous headquarters more than half a century ago.

The exhibition of clothing, printed textiles and all kinds of interesting Laura Ashley memorabilia will be on show in in the Church of Saint John the Baptist at Carno from 10.30am to 5.30pm on Friday (May 26), Saturday (May 27) and Sunday (May 28).

To close the exhibition on Sunday at 4pm, everyone is welcome to join a special Songs of Praise Thanksgiving Service for the lives of Laura and Bernard Ashley.

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Church warden Linda Rollin has been delighted with the response that the church has already received, with exhibits being loaned from former Laura Ashley employees, as well as past customers, near and far.

"The name of Laura Ashley is synonymous with our little village, so it's fitting that we should celebrate this connection in the church", she said.

“We very much appreciate the enthusiasm shown by the local community and their generous loan of exhibits.  People have also been in contact with us from all corners of the UK, and even abroad, telling us of how much the Laura Ashley company and the garments and textiles they produced still mean to them”.

Both Laura and her husband Sir Bernard Ashley are laid to rest in Carno churchyard.

Entry to the exhibition is completely free, with donations welcomed for the upkeep of Carno church. Refreshments will be available daily in the church room. 

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