The early years and family ties
Alberto Francesco Paronelli, born on 14 April 1977 in Varese, is the nephew of the founder of Paronelli Pipe, Jean Marie Alberto Paronelli. From the very beginning, he spent time in the shop and especially in the Paronelli Museum, where his grandfather told stories about the world of pipes and slow smoking.
Inspiration and founding of Volkan Pipe
He founded Volkan Pipes in honour of his grandfather, who was known as a "volcano" of ideas and constant movement. Hence the inspiration for the brand name "Volkan". With passion and dedication, Alberto strives to achieve the highest quality pipes through innovation and continuous development.
Continuing the family tradition
Together with his brother Ariberto Paronelli, who runs the Paronelli Pipe company, they are the third generation to uphold the family tradition and are committed to spreading the culture of pipe smoking. Every year, they organise the international exhibition "Smoking on the Lake" in the Paronelli Pipe Museum, which brings together outstanding craftsmanship from pipe makers and enthusiasts from all over the world.
The legacy of Jean Marie Alberto Paronelli
The founder of the Paronelli brand, Jean Marie Alberto Paronelli, was born on 21 December 1914 in Gavirate, the epicentre of the Italian pipe industry. He spoke fluent French, English, German and Spanish and was a connoisseur of classical literature and history. He learnt pipe making in London and became a well-known collector and consultant. He worked for the famous Rossi pipe factory and opened a trading office in Milan.
Alberto Paronelli sr. founded the magazine "La Pipa" and was characterised by his many interests, which ranged from painting and sculpture to pottery. In 1968, he became the first Italian member of the "Confrérie de Maitres Pipiers" in St Claude. He was a founding member of the Italian Pipe Academy and served as its rector. In 1984, he founded the "Accademie Internationale de la Pipe", a non-profit organisation for the promotion of pipe culture. Paronelli died on 20 November 2004 in Gavirate. His legacy and his passion for the art of the pipe live on in his museum, which attracts visitors from all over the world.
