Friday 25 October 2019

Piping from Northumberland


Lot 277
A set of Northumbrian Smallpipes, by D. G. Burleigh, with travel case
Estimate £400-£600
To be offered for Auction Wednesday 30th October 2019 in the Antique and Interiors Sale

                                                            
The term Northumbrian Pipes relates to three types of bagpipe played in the North East of England, particularly Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.  They are Northumbrian Smallpipes, Border Pipes and Half-Longs.


    
Northumbrian Smallpipes are a melodious bellows blown bagpipe developed by makers in Newcastle upon Tyne and North Shields from the end of the 18th century.  




They are quiet in comparison with other bagpipes and normally played indoors.  Consisting of one chanter with a number of metal keys (usually seven) and four drones.  The chanter has a closed end and is played with closed fingering meaning that traditional Northumbrian piping is staccato in style.  Three drones are usually sounded at once, tuned to G, D and g for example if the tonic of the tune is G.




No comments: