Group Maille Making Workshop

Description

An engaging workshop for groups of all ages and abilities: from youth clubs to retired people; team building at work to general interest clubs. This is a unique chance to try the traditional craft of making 'chainmail' and gain an understanding and appreciation of the work of craftsmen in the past. As one of the few traditional maille makers in the UK, and an experienced teacher, Phil will come to your venue and talk you through the process of making maille armour from scratch, using the traditional methods and materials. This is a course for total beginners. Whether you want to ask questions about the history and uses of maille, or try some of the techniques involved, it's a fun and creative activity for all, and Phil has lots of experience and knowledge he loves to share. The session is a relaxed 2 hours and ideal group size is between 4 and 10 people, if you have larger numbers, get in touch and we can look at tailoring the course for your group's needs.

What's included in the price?

All tuition and materials. We would expect to use your usual venue or for you to arrange a venue at your cost, but if we hire a suitable community venue that cost would be extra. We are happy to chat about this. If the group is outside Cardiff, then we would add on Phil's travel costs by suitable public transport. Again, happy to have discussions about this.

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Phil Parkes Maille

with Craft Courses since 2023

Message the tutor

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 endangered crafts and have been shortlisted for Maker of the Year 2023. My career has been in professionally conserving archaeological finds and teaching those skills as a Reader in Conservation at Cardiff University.