1834 - 1866 - Glasgow - This first set of pictures is of a bagpipe with chanter stamped W. Gunn. Where my first thought is to be somewhat skeptical, after studying pictures of the few authenticated examples of Gunn's work, I'm inclined to say that there is a connection. Note the generous cord holders and the long neck on the projecting mounts. Both can be seen in pictures of authenticated W. Gunn bagpipes.
The pipes were owned and played by Dougald Campbell, born in Islay, Scotland in 1819. It is probable, based on searches, that Dougald played for the 79th Highlanders and was possibly its Pipe Major. He emigrated to Quebec, Canada, where he married and had eight children. He continued to play the pipes,and eventually, he played for the Prince of Wales at the Victoria Bridge Grand Opening (Montreal) in 1859. Mr. Campbell died at the age of 78, in 1897.
The style of the bagpipe places it squarely during that time when Gunn was making bagpipes. It appears to be made of cocuswood with bone and ivory accoutrements. I could have put this bagpipe in the "unknown" museum however I believe the evidence is strong enough to attribute this to Gunn.
The style of the bagpipe places it squarely during that time when Gunn was making bagpipes. It appears to be made of cocuswood with bone and ivory accoutrements. I could have put this bagpipe in the "unknown" museum however I believe the evidence is strong enough to attribute this to Gunn.
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The pictures of the William Gunn bagpipe below are courtesy of long-time good friend Jim McGillivray. Jim maintains an outstanding website featuring vintage bagpipes and reproductions. Click Here to travel to his site. Jim and I exchange emails and pictures of bagpipes almost daily and sometimes several time in a day. He is truly a treasure to the bagpipe world.
Gunn was significant both as a bagpipe maker and as an early publisher of bagpipe music. To me, his instruments reflect the influence of Edinburgh makers with profiles and styling that would later be identified with Glasgow makers.
William Gunn