Field Guide to the Pipes: The next generation |
| Although a bit presumptuous in title, this
site has been set up as a frame work and made available as a repository for a written and
graphical history of the makers of the great highland bagpipe. It should ultimately
include a documented, written history of the firms, the people involved, photos of their
products and examples of their marketing. It may be possible to trace the careers of
some of the great craftsmen as well. This site is loosely based on the efforts of David Williams who ran the original while a student at Harvard University. After hearing that he was going to lose the site due to successfully graduating, I offered to host the site, but, at that time, the site was cut off and I lost my ability to contact him. I feel that this work is of incredible interest and may be of some actual value to the piping community. I certainly hope David doesn't mind my "palace coup" and will consider this effort as a compliment. I suspect that the question won't remain unanswered for long... I'm the first to admit that I don't have the lifetime of experiences required to fill this site with information. For that I'm relying upon you. Using the "Contribute" link below, you can send material for inclusion in the site. The guidelines for submission are outlined separately in that link. All contributions that I can use will be referenced/acknowledged on the site. I'll do my best to keep the site accurate, objective and honest. You can do the same using the "Comment, Correct, Discuss" discussion group link which is already set up. I'll read all posted information and distill what I can from it, pointing out contradictions and points of disagreement in the relevant pages. I see my job to moderate/modulate what appears on the site and to encourage an open discussion of it. Most importantly, however, please note that your contributions are essential to building this site. Many of the links are not yet populated as I may not have material or the time as of yet. I don't claim to be authoritatively knowledgeable in this field, but am willing to coordinate this effort. Please help by sending your contributions. If you have some knowledge, photos of a set of pipes you'd like to share, or a set you'd like to know more about, use the "Contribute" link below. I'm more than happy to link to your site if you'd rather keep the information there (it saves space here!!). Thanks in advance. Steve MacLeod |