Mel, known as the Accidental Rigger, has a great deal of hands on practice in rope - rigging, bottoming and handling and maintaining large quantities of rope. A neurodiverse, queer, rope customisation professional from the Middle East who laid down roots in London, she began by treating ropes for Anatomie’s Shibari Store, modelling for classes, and as a teaching assistant for rope bottoms.

After dedicating years to learning from a variety of practitioners, she has become a teacher for both riggers and bottoms. She has been offering rope customisations services and education, and rigging services for productions and events since 2021. As a teacher, she finds joy in introducing people to rope, working with them to encourage curiosity and to teach them in the best way possible for them as individuals. Mel’s style is often described as ‘meeting bottom’s where they’re at and seeking to give them what they need”. She is committed to her growth in her rope practice and developing her style.

In this interview, she shares:

• How she discovered rope bondage

• Her relationship and connection with Anatomie Studio

• What place rope holds in her life now

• Her background as a circus performer

• Being a House Rigger and other rope activities through which she earns a living

• What a House Rigger is and what they do

• Pros, cons, risks, discomforts and challenges of House Riggers

• What she has learned from being a House Rigger

• How being a House Rigger has helped her develop her more subby service side through topping

• Her journey into rope maintenance

• Why is rope maintenance is an important topic for rope tops and bottoms

• Unusual types of customisation/personalisation you can do to your rope kit