Rope-making
Producing high quality ropes
Man has mastered the art of rope-making from the very dawn of his
existence. Linden tree bark, tree roots, horsehair and pigs hair
have all been common materials in Nordic rope-making. 300-400 years
ago rope-making was a specialised and separate craft, with its guilds,
apprentices and master craftsmen. Much of the knowledge and tradition
of this ancient craft disappeared with the tall ships and modern,
more efficient industrial methods and new materials took over.
Hardanger Fartøyvernsenter employed its own rope-maker
in 1995 Our rope-maker is the first in Norway to hold a craftsman's
certificate for more than 40 years. She is learning techniques,
nearly extinct, from older craftsmen who are more than willing to
pass on their skills. Some of the techniques have been documented
in co-operation with Handverksregisteret (the Register of Crafts
and Skills). Now we can offer high quality traditional rope-making,
the like of which seldom found in the Nordic Region.
The Ships Preservation Centre offers handmade ropes
of high quality to order from the following materials: hemp, artificial
hemp (polypropylene), horsehair, manila, coir, linden-bast, leather
and hair. Handmade ropes cost more than factory made, but you get
a high quality product especially made to suit your exact needs.
Ropes made from natural fibres need more care, but will probably
outlast ropes made from man-made fibres. Click
to see our prices!
Products from our rope-making shop are
mainly sold to users of traditional boats and vessels. The overall
picture is of great importance to many owners, who enjoy seeing
genuine handmade ropes of natural materials grace the rigging.
The knowledge and learning of traditional rope-making
is passed on through courses and lectures. Courses are adapted to
suit a number of different groups from kindergartens to art colleges.
Demonstrations of the craft are conducted on a small, portable rope-work.
The rope-maker demonstrates the craft of rope-making, often with
participation from the audience. To get in contact with the rope-maker,
please click here.
Read more on
the Internet:
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HFS has engaged the only professional
ropemaker in Norway. She can make rope
for almost all purposes. Photo: HFS.
Rope making was once one of the principal crafts in Bergen in the
old days. Photo: Bergen Maritime Museum
The rope maker shows some of the many products she can make. Photo:
Aarthun, Scanfoto.
Demonstration of rope-making. Photo:
HFS.
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