Arthur C. Binney was an MIT graduate and naval architect who worked alongside some of the most prominent yacht designers of the late nineteenth century. Binney (1865-1922) graduated from MIT’s industry-focused School of Mechanic Arts in 1883. In 1888, he began working for yacht designer Edward Burgess, head of a firm that had produced three consecutive America’s Cup winners. Binney became a partner in the firm after Burgess’s death in 1891, eventually running the business on his own. Binney’s designs included fishing and racing schooners as well as steam and motor vessels.

This collection contains approximately 380 drawings that span Arthur C. Binney’s design career. The earliest material dates from his work with Edward C. Burgess. About ten percent of the drawings are by Burgess, including plans for America’s Cup winners Puritan, Mayflower and Volunteer. The bulk of Binney’s own designs are for yachts, and a majority of the surviving plans are for interior details.

Title: Arthur C. Binney

Creators: Arthur C. Binney; Edward Burgess

Dates: 1885-1923

Extent: 380 drawings

Language: English

Repository: MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collection

Access: Open for research by appointment and online

Copyright: No known restrictions

Credit: Hart Nautical Collection, MIT Museum