Chris Herriot
Chris Herriot is an artisan pipe maker based in Charpey, France, where he lives just steps away from his mentor and close friend, Bruno Nuttens. Though Chris has only been making pipes for a few years, he as accomplished a task that usually takes decades to master. Making fine handmade pipes efficiently and consistently.
Born into a military family, Chris spent his childhood moving frequently, including eight formative years in Germany. Later he settled in the North Midlands near Nottingham in the UK. His early career was far from woodworking. Chris spent years running pubs, working as a chef, and managing nightclubs across the UK and later in France.
The spark for pipe smoking came early. Chris’s grandfather was a pipe smoker, and his school woodworking teacher famously smoked a pipe in the school workshop. These were lasting impressions that planted the seeds for what would become a lifelong passion. At twenty-five years of age Chris picked up pipe smoking. He found in it a quiet, meditative practice after long days in the kitchen.
While living in the alpine resort town of Chamonix, France, and working as a chef, Chris began exploring pipe making during the off-season. Chris taught himself the fundamentals of pipe making and started to produce basic pipes. A pivotal moment came during a visit to St. Claude, the historic heart of French pipe making, where he was able to connect directly with experienced Pipe Crafters and refine his skills through hands-on learning with his soon to be mentor.
Among those artisans, none has had a greater influence than Bruno Nuttens. The bond between Chris and Bruno led to a significant turning point in Chris’s life: he moved to Charpey to work closely with Bruno and immerse himself in the craft full-time.
Each Herriot pipe is shaped by hand. He works with fine Mediterranean briar and German ebonite, and often incorporates decorative elements like horn and European boxwood. Herriot Pipes are known for their precise construction and elegant adherence to classic French and English shapes. With a focus on clean lines, balance, and consistency, Chris creates pipes that are both stylish and deeply personal.
Chris feels incredibly fortunate to have found a calling that brings him so much joy. He remains deeply grateful for the camaraderie and support of the global pipe community that has welcomed and encouraged him on this journey.
