I'm sorry to say that John Marshall has formally closed production of Millville Pipes.
Founded by John and his father Dennis - both long-time Charatan craftsmen (and in Dennis's case management) - Millville was once a mainstream British producer of pipes proudly stamped 'Made in the City of London'. The company was a major presence at trade shows and had a large and loyal clientele, but the decline of pipe-smoking and the digital age saw Millville's presence dwindle to the sale of pipes on John's stall in Jermyn Street Market. However, John's skill and high-grade experience always remained very evident in the pipes he produced. Worked from quality, aged briar, Millvilles are beautiful examples of the pipemaker's art, with straight grain or ringblasting and handcut vulcanite stems.
Unfortunately Dennis's retirement and ill health across the family meant that John was able to find less and less time In the workshop; in the end it became impossible for him to dedicate the time to making pipes.
An unreconstructed Londoner, John eschewed the Internet and other media that would have made Millville the commercial equal (superior?) of many other British pipe brands. He made pipes for love, sticking mainly to the Charatan models at which he was a master and always maintaining the premium standards of that marque. While always free for a chat, John didn't push his pipes and was happy to see whether the customer's understanding of the briar was sufficient for them to appreciate the items in front of them. Of those who did buy a Millville, I have never met anyone who doesn't have the highest praise for their pipe(s) and the consistent enjoyment they give.
You can see more in a recent thread at http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/millville-pipes.
Andy
Founded by John and his father Dennis - both long-time Charatan craftsmen (and in Dennis's case management) - Millville was once a mainstream British producer of pipes proudly stamped 'Made in the City of London'. The company was a major presence at trade shows and had a large and loyal clientele, but the decline of pipe-smoking and the digital age saw Millville's presence dwindle to the sale of pipes on John's stall in Jermyn Street Market. However, John's skill and high-grade experience always remained very evident in the pipes he produced. Worked from quality, aged briar, Millvilles are beautiful examples of the pipemaker's art, with straight grain or ringblasting and handcut vulcanite stems.
Unfortunately Dennis's retirement and ill health across the family meant that John was able to find less and less time In the workshop; in the end it became impossible for him to dedicate the time to making pipes.
An unreconstructed Londoner, John eschewed the Internet and other media that would have made Millville the commercial equal (superior?) of many other British pipe brands. He made pipes for love, sticking mainly to the Charatan models at which he was a master and always maintaining the premium standards of that marque. While always free for a chat, John didn't push his pipes and was happy to see whether the customer's understanding of the briar was sufficient for them to appreciate the items in front of them. Of those who did buy a Millville, I have never met anyone who doesn't have the highest praise for their pipe(s) and the consistent enjoyment they give.
You can see more in a recent thread at http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/millville-pipes.
Andy
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