Burleigh Smallpipes – Timeline

Posted on by Rob 5 Comments

The most prolific maker of Northumbrian Smallpipes, David Burleigh made in excess of 3200 sets over the last 40 years. There is a definite progression in the style of the instruments over time and most of the sets are numbered – which means most can be fairly accurately dated. There are however some contradictions in the dates reported for early instruments (#250 – #500)

~1968 – 1971

Amateur period

7 or 9 key sets stamped “Armstrong-Burleigh” on the low E or D key – these sets are not numbered. Typically blackwood and nickel silver (although some brass sets are known). The keys were all handmade and the drones have turned thick walled sliders rather than rolled tube and the stopper pistons typically have distinct ‘acorn’ ends.

1971-73

Semi-Pro Period

Primarily making on his own and producing more sets but still working as a taxidermist at the Hancock Museum. The ‘Armstrong’ stamp stops appearing in this period (it is unclear whether this was by choice or request). These sets still feature the acorn piston ends, are hand crafted and very much in the pattern of the earlier sets.

~1972

late ‘Armstrong-Burleigh’

7k F set with nickel silver undressed ferrules, catalin drone caps (estimated date)

1979

#0392

11 key F set

1981

#0483

11k Concert D set

1983(?)

Reid Pattern: Ivory & Silver

Based on an early 19thC Robert Reid set – this ivory and silver mounted set of pipes was made as a presentation set for the piper to the Lord Mayor of Newcastle and is still in use today

1983

#1053

11key F set (G#’s & Fnat’s), complex drones (2 beads on G), handmade keys

1985

#1180

7k F set – simple drones

1997

#2395

A 7k concert D set with 4 drones and single tuning bead.

1999

#2580

2005

#2776

7k Concert G Chanter (only)

2008

#2829

11 key F set – cast keys

2012

#3269

Set #3269 is the last known set produced from the Longframlington workshop

April 2012

Retirement

David stop taking new orders and retired from making new sets although he continued to service his own sets. The business was offered as a ‘going concern’ but ultimately the workshop in Longframlington was closed. The Northumbrian Pipers’ Society acquired the remaining stock of parts and have made these available to members interested in making their own sets. Unfortunately the work books with details of all of the instruments made were not kept.