Des Pawson
| Des Pawson | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| 🏳️ Nationality | British |
| 💼 Occupation | Author, knot expert and ropework specialist |
Des Pawson (MBE) is a British author specialising in knots, ropework and traditional ropeworking techniques. A co-founder of the International Guild of Knot Tyers (IGKT) in 1982, he has written numerous books on knots and ropework.
Biography
Des Pawson developed an interest in ropework, knotting and traditional seafaring techniques. He has researched the history of knots and ropework, documenting his work through numerous publications, lectures and demonstrations.
In 1980, together with his wife Liz, he founded Footrope Knots, a company specialising in handcrafted decorative ropework, including bell ropes, fenders, knot boards, key fobs, mats and lanyards.[1]
In 1982, he became one of the founding members of the International Guild of Knot Tyers (IGKT), an international association dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of knotting knowledge.[2]
In 1996, Pawson and his wife Liz established the Museum of Knots and Sailors' Ropework in Ashley, Cheshire, dedicated to knots, ropework and the traditional tools used by sailors and rope makers. The museum houses an extensive collection of ropework, tools, books and historical artefacts.[3]
Alongside his research, Pawson has published numerous books on knots, ropework and traditional ropeworking techniques. Several of his books have been translated into different languages and are intended for sailors, outdoor enthusiasts, climbers, anglers, scouts and decorative ropeworkers.[4]
In recognition of his contribution to preserving and promoting the heritage of ropework and knotting, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2007.[5]
Publications
Books
- The Handbook of Knots. London: Dorling Kindersley, 1998 (expanded edition, 2004). ISBN 978-0789423955 Search this book on
. - Knots Step by Step. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2003. ISBN 978-0751347746 Search this book on .
- Pocket Guide to Knots and Splices. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2005. ISBN 978-1405302517 Search this book on .
- Knots: The Complete Visual Guide. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2007. ISBN 978-0756625221 Search this book on .
- Des Pawson's Knot Craft: 35 Ropework Projects. London: Adlard Coles Nautical, 2003. ISBN 978-0713667332 Search this book on .
- Des Pawson's Knot Craft and Rope Mats: 60 Ropework Projects Including 20 Mat Designs. London: Adlard Coles Nautical, 2016. ISBN 978-1472922786 Search this book on .
Monographs
In addition to his books for a general readership, Pawson has published a series of technical monographs through the Museum of Knots and Sailors' Ropework. These publications focus on the heritage of ropework and seamanship, covering traditional tools, rope-making techniques and equipment used by riggers and sailmakers.
Among the best known are Sailmaker's Needles (2004), Marline Spikes, Fids & Other Related Tools (2006), Sailmaker's Palms (2010), Heavers as used by Riggers & Sailmakers (2013), and The Sailmaker's Bench (2024).
Several of these monographs have appeared in revised and expanded editions and include annotated reprints of historical documents relating to traditional ropework and seamanship.
Honours
- 2007 – Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the rope industry. The insignia was presented by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.[5]
References
- ↑ "Footrope Knots". Des Pawson.
- ↑ "Des Pawson". International Guild of Knot Tyers.
- ↑ "Des Pawson". Bloomsbury.
- ↑ "Books". Des Pawson.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Des is awarded an MBE". Des Pawson.
External links
- Official website
- Des Pawson biography at the International Guild of Knot Tyers
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