I actually wore/owned several neck ties myself back in the "Annie Hall" days of the 80's. I now regularly buy, disassemble, and wash thrifted ties to use for Hong Kong finishes in unlined jackets. The lofty interfacing also makes a nice sleeve header.
Cotton neck ties would definitely be fiddly to wear and tie. Bow ties in cotton wouldn't be as bad as regular neck ties. Silk is definitely the best as even polyester feels clunky and doesn't glide over itself as easily as silk. I always wore a tie tack or clasp with the polyester ties so that I didn't have to deal with the awkwardness of the tie not returning to its proper hanging position each time I moved. Tracks or clasps should also help this problem with cotton.
Buy a thrifted tie or ask anyone you know if they have one they're tired of to donate. Make notes as you disassemble and use the various parts as a pattern. I'd buy the tie interfacing - those photos are going to be around awhile, right? There's also a bit of lining at the base of the front of the tie, it's usually self faced, but in this instance a complementing rayon lining might help the tie move better while on.
I wouldn't prewash anything. I might steam press before cutting the various fabrics. Neck ties are rarely, if ever, laundered.