Gouda Pipes
Pipemaker Adrie MoeringsPottery had been practised in Gouda since the Middle Ages already. In the 17th century the pipemakers introduced their craft to Gouda. They were mercenaries in the army of Prince Maurits trying to find another occupation in peacetime or on leaving the army. This they found for instance in pipemaking. The advantages Gouda offered were its favourable location in the Netherlands and the ensuing busy trade conducted with the rest of the world. This gave Gouda clay pipes their great renown, also abroad. There were numerous shapes, many of them richly adorned with paint. In those days smoking was seen in a completely different light and people were fully unaware of its health hazard. Nowadays, Gouda pipes are mainly considered as historic expressions of art. And deservedly so, because they include true gems. A fragment of their history has now been made visible in the Gouda Cheese and Crafts Museum, where pipemaking demonstrations are given regularly.
The man who preserved the Gouda pipemaking tradition for this city is Adrie Moerings. The Gouda pipe presentation found in the museum was prepared in conjunction with him and he now trains the people who demonstrate this craft to you.
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