Hi from the UK everyone,
A little about myself first. My very first pipe was a Hardcastle, I was about 12 years old at the time, in a local town two older lads run past me, something fell from one of the lads bulging jacket, but he just kept on running! so I picked it up, it was a Hardcastle, my instinct told me it probably wasn't such a great idea to run after the guy and notify him of his loss, so I took it home. Shortly after, I loaded it with some of Grandads Old Holborn, and puffed away, I loved it! Since that time, I only ever reverted to that pipe if I ran out of Rizlas, until last year that is, when I gained a sudden interest in pipes themselves, mainly the feel, and artistic qualities they hold, each one unique, a work of art. Since then I have picked up many at local Flea Markets etc., It truly is an addiction. My goal was to someday be the proud owner of an Upshall/Tilshead pipe, mainly as the Tilshead workshop is only a 20 minute drive away. There is a good antique store locally, a few months ago they had a collection of old pipes arrive in, among them were two Tilsheads, so I promptly snapped them up! I have spent the last few months carefully restoring some of my lesser pipes, and gain some experience before setting to work on the better ones.
I'm currently in the process of kitting myself out with some basic stuff to create my own pipes, which I hope to make a start later this year. Hope I haven't bored too many folks with this?! I am very much looking forward to being a member of this group, sure it will bring some very interesting times.
All the best to everyone.
A little about myself first. My very first pipe was a Hardcastle, I was about 12 years old at the time, in a local town two older lads run past me, something fell from one of the lads bulging jacket, but he just kept on running! so I picked it up, it was a Hardcastle, my instinct told me it probably wasn't such a great idea to run after the guy and notify him of his loss, so I took it home. Shortly after, I loaded it with some of Grandads Old Holborn, and puffed away, I loved it! Since that time, I only ever reverted to that pipe if I ran out of Rizlas, until last year that is, when I gained a sudden interest in pipes themselves, mainly the feel, and artistic qualities they hold, each one unique, a work of art. Since then I have picked up many at local Flea Markets etc., It truly is an addiction. My goal was to someday be the proud owner of an Upshall/Tilshead pipe, mainly as the Tilshead workshop is only a 20 minute drive away. There is a good antique store locally, a few months ago they had a collection of old pipes arrive in, among them were two Tilsheads, so I promptly snapped them up! I have spent the last few months carefully restoring some of my lesser pipes, and gain some experience before setting to work on the better ones.
I'm currently in the process of kitting myself out with some basic stuff to create my own pipes, which I hope to make a start later this year. Hope I haven't bored too many folks with this?! I am very much looking forward to being a member of this group, sure it will bring some very interesting times.
All the best to everyone.
