A new book by Brightlingsea sailmaker and barge master Jim Lawrence tells the story of how he came to set up his traditional sail loft in the town.
Jim died in January 2024, shortly after finishing his second book, James Lawrence Sailmakers. It tells the story of the early struggles and naivety of the his businesses and the successes that saw it become famous around the globe. The book follows London Light, published in 2018, the autobiographical account of his time working the coastal trade under sail on Thames Barges.
Jim died in January 2024, shortly after finishing his second book, James Lawrence Sailmakers. It tells the story of the early struggles and naivety of the his businesses and the successes that saw it become famous around the globe. The book follows London Light, published in 2018, the autobiographical account of his time working the coastal trade under sail on Thames Barges.
Spurred on by the success of London Light, now in its fourth reprint, Jim embarked upon a follow-up to tell how he came to establish a sail loft in Brightlingsea that specialised in meeting the needs of sailing barges, fishing smacks, bawleys and a host of traditional craft. From small and fragile beginnings, Jim grew the business, expanded the workforce and nurtured youngsters in the skills and traditions of his craft. The Tower Street loft’s fame spread far and wide and some of its sails went on to serve many unique craft in home waters and across the oceans of the world.
James Lawrence Sailmakers, packed with the history of the loft and delivered with Jim’s characteristic wit and personality, is now published and available at Spirals Card Shop, Victoria Place; Brightlingsea Museum, Station Road; through good book shops or at www.chaffcutterbooks.co.uk, priced at £19.50.
