Eltang: Difference between revisions

Tom took an early interest in pipes and pipe making. From the moment of staring through a tobacco shop display window at age 6, and seeing very nice pipes with yellow and black staining, he knew he wanted to make something like that with his own hands, and knew he wanted to make pipes.  

Eltang made his first pipe from a Pipe Dan kit at the age of 11. Later, he learned about pipe making from a man named Flemming, who worked at at a center that helped youth transition into working adults. Tom made some pipes there in the afternoons and evenings. He was next given a two-week tryout at the Larsen pipe factory, but discovered that was not the right place for him. He was not interested in a factory approach with it's focus on efficiency.  

He was introduced to [[Anne Julie]] at the age of 16 (August of 1974), and after showing here some of the pipes he had made, he received an apprenticeship. Julie taught Eltang harmony and balance in pipe shaping, as well as the contrast staining for which he has become famous. He worked with Julie for three years, and than went to work for Pipe Dan where he did repairs and was also able to make some of his own pipes. He found the repair work was great experience in terms of how a pipe works or doesn't work. After three years with Pipe Dan, Eltang took a job working for Stanwell. He worked for Stanwell till around 1980 when he went into business for himself, but still sells some of his designs to Stanwell.

Tom has the respect of nearly every pipe maker. His name often comes up in conversation as a pivotal influence, and he has generiuosly given his time to many up and coming pipe makers from around the world that make pilgrimages to his shop in Taarbaek.