This is really a tale of a very special bagpipe and a quest to discover the maker. Back in the 1990’s I found two bagpipes in Woodstock Ontario. One was a very early R G Lawrie Bagpipe and the other was said to be a John Center bagpipe. I was pretty confident that it wasn’t Center’s work however there was nothing that I could associate it with. It was unique in my experience. There were a few replacement parts. I was impressed with the presence of the bagpipe, both aesthetically and musically. As I was reshuffling my life one day, I parted with it with great regret. I did document the bagpipe with the hope that someday something would surface. It did.
Every once in a while patience and persistence is rewarded. I was absolutely shocked one day to see pictures of a bagpipe posted by Derek Marr that was nearly identical to my “unknown # 39”. With great excitement I emailed Derek who was kind enough to send me additional pictures. The bagpipe is faintly but clearly stamped “A. M’Arthur”. A quick reference to Jeannie Campbell’s outstanding books told the MacArthur story. Apparently Alexander made bagpipes at 26 Thistle Street, Glasgow, 1873-1888. The bagpipes were “finished” (mounts affixed) by Robert MacKinnon. Interestingly in the 1881-1882 directory, MacKinnon is listed at 12 Royal Arcade and Peter Henderson is listed at 17 Royal Arcade, Donald MacPhee’s old shop. Donald died on Dec 9, 1880.
Practice chanters stamped “A. MacArthur Glasgow” below. It appears that Alexander was a bit of an artist with his tools and a block of wood.
