Northern Briars

Northern Briar: Traditional Pipe Craftsmanship by Ian Walker

History of Northern Briar

Northern Briar was founded by Ian Walker's grandfather, George Walker, who started working for Duncan Briars in England in 1922. By 1931, he became the foreman at Duncan Briars' factory. After a nine-year apprenticeship, he was responsible for training pipe makers and finishers. In 1958, after 36 years, he left Duncan Briars. That same year, Ian's grandfather and father, Peter Walker, started a pipe repair service, fixing pipes for tobacconists across the UK.

Ian Walker's Start at Northern Briar

In 1972, Ian left school and began working in the family business. On his first day, he had to sweep the workshop floor for an hour, make coffee, and only after that was he allowed to polish some pipes! Then, his father told him to go home, change clothes, and go to his grandfather’s where he spent the evening making silver bands for pipes from a silver sheet.

Expansion and Success

In 1983, his parents bought a tobacconist shop in Heaton Moor, Stockport, England. Ian handled all the repairs and became the most renowned repairman in the UK. He decided to start making pipes for the shop, which proved successful. Ian then began making pipes for local shops. Shortly after, he met Bill Taylor of Ashton fame, who encouraged and helped him.

Recognition and Exhibitions

In 1999, Ian participated in his first professional show for tobacconists and pipe clubs across the UK. Last year, he made the pipe for the 2005 British Pipe Smoking Championship, producing 50 identical pipes. In 2006, he attended his first international show in Chicago, where Skip Elliott saw his work and decided they would be a great addition to The Briary’s selection of English pipes. Later that year, Ian exhibited his Northern Briar pipes in Dortmund, Germany.

Quality and Craftsmanship

Ian Walker uses Italian briar from the same source as Bill Taylor. Each pipe is entirely handmade by Ian Walker, and all have hand-cut stems. Bill Taylor states that Ian Walker does the best stem work in England. His pipes are in the finest tradition of classic British pipe making.

Life and Workshop

Interestingly, Ian lives with his wife Katerina on a narrowboat. His workshop is on the boat. According to British law, they can only moor at one location for two weeks. So, every two weeks, Ian moves his home and workshop to a new location on a canal or river in England.

Discover Northern Briar Pipes

Explore Northern Briar pipes today, where each piece is a masterpiece of traditional British craftsmanship, combining high-quality materials and exceptional skill. Enjoy the timeless quality and elegance of Northern Briar pipes, available now.