Working Groups
Much of the active work of the Academy takes place through working groups. These groups generally meet once a year when they report to the annual conference but they carry their work forward the rest of the time through internet contact. At present these groups are focussed on pipes made of differing materials.
Meerschaum Working Group
![A lump of raw meerschaum and a pipe carved from it. [Photo: Hakon Kierulf]](images/large/meerchaum_pipe2.jpg)
A lump of raw meerschaum and a pipe carved from it. [Photo: Hakon Kierulf]
Convenor: Hakon Kierulf hakon.kierulf@vikenfiber.no
The AIP Meerschaum Group has its focus on the mineral Meerschaum and in which ways, cultural as well as historical, sociological and artistic, it has been and can be used for smoking utensils. The results of the group's most recent research will be presented at the Grasse Conference in November 2010.
The group is also working on creating a list of makers, carvers, turners and others involved in the meerschaum industry. This work is still in progress but an initial listing can be accessed below.
Clay pipe Working Group
![A large group of 18th century pipes excavated in London, on display in the
Victoria Gallery and Museum, University of Liverpool [Photo: Peter Davey]](/images/large/clay_pipes.jpg)
A large group of 18th century pipes excavated in London, on display in the
Victoria Gallery and Museum, University of Liverpool [Photo: Peter Davey]
Convenor: Ruud Stam r.d.stam@minlnv.nl
Over the last four years the clay pipe working group has been engaged on a project to provide a systematic account of clay pipe production and consumption in as many countries from around the world as possible. To date some sixteen 1,000-word illustrated summaries are complete and will appear in Volume 2 of the Journal.
Briar Working Group
The Academy’s briar pipe made for its 20th anniversary
Convenor: John Adler VELLATOR@aol.com
Recent research has concentrated on the documentation of the factory produced briar industry in England in the 20th century. A paper on a briar pattern book of c1918 will appear in Volume 2 of the Academy’s journal. The first and second trade lists of the Civic Company of London issued, in 1921 and 1922, can be viewed via the links provided below.
- The 1921 Trade List of the Civic Company of London
- The 1922 Trade List of the Civic Company of London
Metal Working Group
![Austro-Hungarian silver pipe of mid-nineteenth century date [Photo: David Higgins]](/images/large/silver_pipe.jpg)
Austro-Hungarian silver pipe of mid-nineteenth century date [Photo: David Higgins]
Convenor: Felix van Tienhoven f.vantienhoven@chello.nl
Research in this area has focussed on the location and identification of pipes in a wide range of metals and alloys. Questions of chronology, source and typology remain critical.
