According to Jeannie Campbells outstanding book, Highland Bagpipe Makers, Kewley advertised in the Edinburgh Business Directory from 1952 to 1959. The following article was found in The Cairns Post, Queensland Australia, September 13, 1951......
MAKING THE BAG FOR THE BAGPIPES
By importing an idea from India a young Scot has started an export business which reaches out from an Edinburgh basement to every part of the world where bagpipes are played. A set of bagpipes normally last a lifetime, but until now the bags have had to be renewed every two or three years. During his army service in India, Douglas Kewley, who previously worked for a bagpipe-making firm, watched Sikhs making their own bags and learned from them their secret of airtight sewing. Three years ago he bought 12 sheepskins with his last £5 and fashioned a few bags at home. Bagpipe manufacturers were delighted with his product and within a few weeks he had found a basement shop in Henderson Row, Edinburgh, above which he put up the sign. "H. D. Kewley, Bagpipe Specialist." Now he has world-wide customers. One recent order came from a Scottish Battalion in Korea.
Little is known outside this, although Ms. Campbell speculates that he may have been the son of Henry Kewley, a shoemaker. I'm aware of one other set that is very similar to James Robertson's work. The pictures herein suggest a fairly skilled hand made this product. I will allow that he may have had bagpipes made for him by Robertson, Starck, or almost anyone else. The middle tenor top is an obvious replacement. Any information on Kewley would be appreciated.
Kewley, Henry D.
