Tom Spanu Olive

Chris Askwith is a British artisan pipe maker based in Plymouth, crafting pipes since 2007, after starting a year earlier with estate pipe restorations. With a background as a silversmith, he brought precision tool skills into his pipe making, which helped him quickly develop a distinctive style: a balance between traditional English shapes and a freer, more contemporary approach.

He works with high-quality materials such as Italian briar, morta, and even strawberry wood, which is rarely used in pipe making but adds a unique texture and character. His pipes are recognized for their clean execution and carefully refined finishes, but above all for their brightly colored acrylic stems, which have become his hallmark and give each piece a unique identity in the international market.

In just over a decade, Askwith has grown from an enthusiastic hobbyist into one of the most interesting names in today’s artisan pipe scene. Collectors appreciate not only the originality of his style but also the practicality and smoking comfort of his work, making each pipe both a statement piece and a reliable companion.