Museum of Knots & Sailors’ Ropework Monographs

These monographs are published so that information on subjects rarely studied or written about can be more widely circulated. The author is always interested in hearing of additional information. The monographs are printed in modest numbers and reprints take into account new information as it comes to light. They are well illustrated and with references throughout.They are A5 in size with soft covers .Contact us for a quote for postage  and details about paying. We can be paid by Paypal

• • #1 Sailmaker’s seam rubbers ……………………………………………….. £3.00
  • Des Pawson 2003/9/14 ( 16pp 14b/w illustrations)
  •  An overview of this tool unique to the Sailmaker

• • #2 Some notes on the rogues yarn  ………………………………………...£3.50
  • Des Pawson 2004 (20pp 1 b/w & 4 coloured illustrations)
  •   A history and description of that coloured marker yarn that can tell so much about the rope and where it comes from and what it is made from

• • #3 Sailmaker’s Needles …………………………………………………………….Out of Print
    
  • Des Pawson 2004/5/8/9/10/15/17 (48 pages 11 b/w 7 coloured    illustrations )
  • Covers the history of the sail needle, their sizes and types together with a very comprehensive list of makers names, there are 7  coloured pages showing some of the packaging used to sell sail needles

• • #4 Marline Spikes, Fids & other related tools  ………………….now reprinted ….£6.50
  • Des Pawson 2006/10/20/24 (63pp 95 b/w illustrations)
  •   A history and background of all types of spikes & Fids except for modern & patent tools, complete with a list of makers names

• • #5 Observations on Sails, Sailcloth & Sailmaking ……………………. Out of print
    
  • An Historic  reprint from 1852 & 1924 ORR, M. & RATSEY, T.W. intro Des Pawson 2006. (58pp 1 b/w illustration )
  • Reprinting two separate histories and background pieces prompted by the Americas Cup winners and their sails.

• • #6 SAIL HOOKS, Sailmakers Bench hooks ……………………………………. £3.50
  • Des Pawson 2008/9,(19pp 19b/w illustrations)
  • An overview of this tool unique to the Sailmaker.

• • #7 SAILORS’ MATS from yarns, strands and sennit .………………… £12.00
  • Des Pawson 2009. Reprinted 2016 (72pp 34 b/w & 52illustrations in full colour)
  • This book, the fruit of over 15 years of research, is published to coincide
    with the exhibition “Scheepsmatten, oud touw en tijd bij de vleet”. (Ships mats, old
    rope and plenty of time) held at the The Nationaal Vlechtmuseum, Noordwolde
    (National Basket Museum), The Netherlands.
  • A history and description of the many and varied styles of rope mats made from old rope yarns as opposed to the usual over under flat knot mats. This is the first time a comprehensive study has been put together of these overlooked mats and mat making techniques.  There is a modest amount about the techniques but this is not primarily a how to book. It covers the history and background of mat making, together with hints, tips and ideas on various methods of making mats, from sewn and sennit mats, to mats with knitted panels, hitched ‘Appledore mats and mats with stitched yarns on canvas.

• • #8 SAILMAKER’S PALMS  Expanded edition ………………………………………...£12.00
    
  • Des Pawson, 2010/2018, (110 pages 72 B/W  +16 colour illustrations plus five A3 plates  of templates)
  • A history and background on the styles and variations of the Sailmakers palm including a section on how they are made and a selection of patterns should you wish to try yourself. . 

• • #9 NAVY RIGGER’S BLOCKS, STOCKS OR BENCHES …………………..Out of Print
    
  • Des Pawson, 2010 (38pp 38 b/w illustrations)
  • These benches almost a tool in their own right appear to be almost unique to Naval dockyards

1. •    #10 NOTES FROM A ROPEMAKER- HISTORY USES & SPECIFICATIONS ..Out of Print
     
   • John Hawkins 2012, black & white illustrations (40pp 1 photo, 6 B/W illustrations)
   • A brief history of ropemaking in the UK with a special section on ropemaking in Hailsham Sussex. Together with all the specifications and descriptions of cordage, many of which are now almost forgotten, all collected together over a life in Rope   by John Hawkins when he was 89.  

1. •   #11 Heavers as used by Riggers & Sailmakers……………………………£5.00 
     
   • Des Pawson 2013, (36 pages 39 b/w illustrations )
   • History and background to a wide variety of tools that make life easier yet are hardly ever described.

1. • #12 Navy Plug, Prick or Perique of Tobacco……………………………………£3.50
   • Ken Yalden 2013 ,(18 pages 13 b/w illustrations )
   • background to the Navy’s Tobacco issue.

1. •     #13“Tom Bowling”& The Book of Knots…………………………….Out of Print
     
   • A Bibliography & Commentary Together with the Solution to a Mystery.
   • Gordon Perry with Des Pawson 2013, (46 pages 10 b/w illustrations)
   • The story of the first Knot Book

1. • #14 Gunks & Goos Mixtures for protecting ropes, Boats, Nets & Sails……Out of print
     
   • Rick Mitchell, 2014.(84 pages 23 b/w illustrations )
   • A compilation of recipes from many sources, designed to extend the working life of ropes, boats, nets & sails. Includes a glossary of materials mentioned.

1. • #15 A Nantucket Ropemakers Notebook
   • EDWARD CAREY 1762  (34 pages 20 coloured illustrations)
   • With an introduction & commentary  by Des Pawson & Others 2020 …………£5.00

1. • #16 The Sailmakers’ Peg or Clamp
   • Des Pawson 2021. (12 pages  20 illustrations most in colour)………………………£2.50
   • An overlooked sailmaker’s tool.
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   • #17 Tools for Serving etc.
   • Des Pawson 2021. ( 60 pages 75 illustrations the majority in colour) ………….£6.50
   • Boards, Mallets and other serving tools in all their variety 
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   • #18 The Sailmaker’s Seam Gauge
   • Des Pawson , with a contribution from Rick Mitchell 2023 (23 p 10 b/w & 6 coloured illustrations)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………£3.50
   • A rare sailmaker’s tool, unknown in the UK.
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   • #19 The Sailmaker’s Bench
   • Des Pawson, 2024 (27 pages 16 b/w  & 40 coloured illustrations……………….£4.50
   • History, styles, details, and a couple of plans.