Stanwell

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Whereas most pipe-making stories begin with a young carver or a veteran leaving a big manufacturer, Stanwell has a slightly different origin. Poul Nielsen initially produced wooden goods, but during WWII, he began making beech pipes. With English-made briar and Mediterranean briar becoming unobtainable, these pipes became popular with local smokers, and Nielsen soon stopped making other wooden products.

After the war, with briar once again available, Nielsen quickly shifted focus. Danish pipes had no established tradition, so Poul reinvented the company and, eventually, his own identity. The Nielsen name was replaced by Stanwell, complete with the iconic Horse & Cart logo.

Drawing on his experience in mass production, Nielsen realised that moulds and guides could help replicate even the most complex shapes, making them more affordable. However, this innovation needed talented designers. Poul collaborated with some of Denmark’s finest carvers, starting with Sixten Ivarsson, considered the father of Danish pipe making.

In 1969, the factory moved to Borup, closer to Ivarsson, and Stanwell's unique twist on traditional shapes and freehands revolutionised the Danish pipe market. The combination of mass production and artisan design allowed beautiful, intricate pipes to be affordable.

Stanwell continues to offer high-quality pipes at competitive prices, with a legacy that includes iconic designers like Tom Eltang, Jess Chonowitsch, and Poul Ilsted. In 2010, production moved to Italy, but thanks to Nielsen’s innovative systems, Stanwell remains a leading name in the industry.