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The Artist’s Sketch: Tim Britton
Evolving
around 300 years ago in Ireland, the uillean pipes are perhaps the most
complex in a long and varied line of bagpipes probably originating near India
several thousand years before ever reaching Scotland. The word “uillean”
or “uilleann” refers to the elbow, which pumps a bellows to inflate
the bag, replacing the lungs.
Tim
Britton of Fairfield has spent the past 30 years playing, making, teaching and
recording the uillean pipes. Born into a family central to the Philadelphia
folk music scene, at an early age he became fascinated with his Celtic roots and
immersed himself in the culture, learning traditional instruments such as the
tin whistle, highland and uillean pipes and wooden flute.
The scarcity of uillean pipes led Britton to make his own set, quickly gaining respect in that field. In 1989, the Iowa Arts Council designated Britton a master artist as part of its Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program and he has been awarded several grants since. His latest, for the last two years, have been to teach fellow Fairfielder Mark Stimson the intricate art of uillean piping and pipemaking.
“There are a handful of uillean pipemakers in North America
that could be considered top notch, and perhaps another handful worldwide,”
Stimson 
said.
“When I began to look at Tim’s work, I was dumbfounded at the elegance
of his designs and the uncompromising attention to detail. It is obvious to me
that Tim has earned a place among the top makers, and he lives here in my hometown.
I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with him.”
The partnership has proved to be beneficial for both.
“Working with Mark has been the single biggest step forward in re-enlivening my own connection to instrument making,” Britton said.
Stimson,
an author, woodworker, boat builder, boat captain and successful oil painter of
nautical scenes, is already using his new skills and hopes to pass them on to
the next generation. Mark’s family, both parents, siblings and children,
all take part in the arts, musical and otherwise. Mark’s mother has turned
her talents in recent years to the Scottish bagpipes.
His wife Sandy is a sculptress. Their eldest son Albert, an accomplished clarinetist, has worked with Mark and Mark’s father in redesigning the clarinet, and is also showing promise on the tin whistle. Their other son Earl is an astoundingly versatile and prolific painter. Their daughter Ray is currently enrolled in art school as well. They’ve all frequently danced to Tim’s piping at the local contra dances.
To someone who has never heard them, the uillean pipes, also known as the Irish organ or Irish union pipes, would sound like a cross between a Scottish bagpipe and a fiddle or accordion, Britton said. Learning to play them, however, takes time and patience. Britton advises anyone interested in attempting to play the uillean pipes to first start with the penny whistle.
“It’s much cheaper and simpler and has no reeds,” he said. “You can learn a lot of the music and technique on it and not be so overwhelmed when you go to the pipes.”
More information on the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program »
For more information on Tim Britton and his uillean pipes, visit www.uilleanpipes.com.
