A Timeline to Excellence
The Beginning of Stanwell Pipes
In the 1940's England, with its cultured aristocracy and bustling commerce, was still the mouthpiece of the world for high quality pipes sought by smokers and collectors. Between the years of 1939 and 1945, however, World War II ripped across the continents, destroying supply lines for goods and services to countries all across the world. Products of many kinds were impossible to obtain. In Denmark, pipe smokers found that they could no longer come by English pipes. They especially longed for the favored pipes made from briar root, the essential wood that lends itself to pipes of superior performance and beauty. With a close look at the situation and the heart of an entrepreneur, Poul Nielson developed an exciting idea. He would develop a factory to manufacture pipes right there in Denmark. Not just ordinary pipes, but pipes constructed with attention to detail and a mind geared toward excellence of quality; yet pipes that the ordinary man on the street could afford.
Because of the superb beauty of the grain and the ability to withstand the high temperatures of burning tobacco, briar root is the favored material for making pipes of distinction. However, the finest examples of this material come from countries surrounding the Mediterranean, and the war made procurement impossible. Instead, Nielsen began manufacture with birch or beech wood. When the war ended in 1945, the doors to the outside world opened invitingly, and Poul Nielsen took the opportunity to continue production using the highest quality briar root. By the end of the 1940's Nielson's briar root pipes were rapidly gaining favor. But not only did the end of the war make the desirable briar root available, it opened the gates to world commerce for products from other countries. To achieve an important place in the world market, it was essential that Nielson compete with England, still known as the premier pipe maker in the world. In a display of marketing genius, Nielson changed his last name to Stanwell, a proper British name, and created a horse and carriage logo for his pipes. What could compete more successfully with a British name than another British name and logo? Nielson's willingness to adapt to the desires of the marketplace, combined with fervent dedication to his product, propelled his company forward onto the world stage.
One important reason for the dominance of Stanwell pipes was the significant relationship with the great pipe designers of the day. Most notable was Sixten Ivarsson, whose freehand series revolutionized the market by providing machine-made pipes with a unique hand-made appearance. His designs created a worldwide demand for Stanwell pipes, especially in the lucrative United States market. During Ivarsson's 30 year tenure, the company produced a stream of beautiful and innovative designs unmatched by other brands.
In 1969 production moved to a new factory in Borup, near the bustling activity of Copenhagen, and closer to Ivarsson. With this sleek, modern factory, Stanwell mass produced pipes of fine quality to export to the world market. The company could now meet the demand created by Ivarsson's innovative designs and Stanwell's commitment to quality and performance. Poul Nielsson Stanwell's pipe company became a leader in the worldwide market.
The Stanwell factory, known to have one of the most modern production lines of any pipemaker in the world today, still begins manufacture with the selection by hand of the finest blocks of briar root. Pipe smokers and collectors alike appreciate the excellence of the finished product. The horse and buggy not only represents the Stanwell name, but a product of superiority and distinction that travels the path through history on rich, warm tones of distinctive design and commitment to quality.
©2007 Amy Mullis
