Description
Ever wondered how 'chainmail' was made? This is a unique chance to try this traditional craft. Phil is one of only a few traditional maille makers in the UK and Finalist in Heritage Crafts Maker of the Year 2023, and is also an experienced teacher of skills. He will take you through the process of making maille armour from scratch, using the traditional methods and materials. You will also get to see some genuine historic maille! This is a course for total beginners. Everyone can do it, you don't need a lot of physical strength, just a bit of patience and attention to detail. It's a fun and creative activity for all, and Phil has lots of experience and knowledge he loves to share. The day is a relaxed 10 till 3 and group size is a maximum of 5, so that you will get individual attention and help with the trickier bits as you make your own patch of real maille! Phil can also do a one to one course, couples, groups of friends, or a family group with children aged 10 and over - let us know your requirements so we can give you a personal quote. If you have any other requests let us know!
What's included in the price?
All materials and instruction included. You will come away with your own bag of items that you have created yourself, that you can use to show your friends and family the journey from wire to completed maille. This includes your very own created patch of maille. Bring your own packed lunch, or pick up something from the nearby supermarket, but we'll supply plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits!
Duration
5 hours
Cancellation policy
Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Welcome! I'm Phil Parkes. I use traditional hand crafting methods to create maille armour, based on historical research of original items. I really enjoy showing people the process of making maille and seeing them come away with something they've made themselves as well as a new confidence in using tools and an appreciation of what was involved in making maille in the past! The skills and techniques are accessible to anyone: I've worked with our local primary school, families at community events and adult workshops, and all have really enjoyed creating their own items and learning more. My experience with teaching led me to create 'Wooden Maille' kits to help teach the skills involved in putting together patterns and tailoring. I'm a member of the Heritage Crafts Association - as a maille maker I'm on their list of Critically Endangered Crafts and am a Maker of the Year 2023 Finalist. My career has been in professionally conserving archaeological finds and teaching those skills as a Reader in Conservation at Cardiff University.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Hearing impaired
- Fairs, festivals & exhibitions
- Public transport
- Mother's Day
- Suitable for beginners
- Corporate days out & team building
- Stag dos
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Hen dos
- Father's Day
- School holiday workshops & activities
FAQs
Yes, you just book the number of places you want. The usual maximum number on a course is 5, this is to make sure that everyone gets the attention they need during the course. However, for a group of people who know each other well and are used to working together we can go up to 6 on request - message to ask.
From Cardiff Central train station, we are 10 minutes by bus, or about 30 minutes walk.
From the coach station, we are 20 minutes walk.
If you cycle, we can keep your bike safely in our garden. There are hire bike points nearby too.
Parking is on street, you might need to take a little time to find a non-resident space.
