Wilbert Garvin took up the pipes in 1963. He served on the Board of Na Píobairí Uilleann for two spells, from 1996 to 2002, and from 2009 to 2014.
He was an author, illustrator and designer. He wrote and designed the book “The Irish Pipes – their construction and maintenance”, the first-ever published work on the subject. He was also the Co-editor, illustrator and designer of “The Master’s Touch”, NPU’s edition of the piping tutor that had been prepared by Séamus Ennis.
He was a member of two traditional groups : Ceol na gapall, who have brought out a CD and booklet entitled “Breath of Fresh Air” on which he played the uilleann pipes, and Ailsa, who have brought out two CDs and booklets – “Misty Burn” and “Sam M’Guffin’s Kitchen”, on which he played the uilleann pipes, scottish small pipes and whistle. In all of these projects Wilbert was the author, illustrator and designer.
Wilbert passed away on 3rd May 2023.