The Knocker White Thames Tug

Isn't there something strangely attractive about rope, in a way that just doesn't carry over to polypropelene cord? This stanchion is on the old Thames tug boat, the Knocker White, moored outside the Docklands Museum. You can't even see it in the full shot, but the funnel hinged and folds back to allow the boat to travel under bridges at high tide.