The Ropeman

Mike Howarth

In 1992 Mike Howarth found some old sailor's tools and started work. It was not easy at all. The instructions are very, very complicated. A year on he worked with garden designer Julie Toll and his rope designs were a feature of her Seaside Garden Sword of Excellence top winner of Chelsea Flower Show 1993.  
Commissions followed and since then he has been producing a range of ropework items selling in designer shops around Britain. "People love the shapes, the feel and smell of the rope."
Now complete with a traditional sailmaker's bench surrounded by natural materials and a shed full of driftwood, Mike has little time to spare.