Phil Parkes Maille

Contact name: Phil Parkes

18
Total bookings

Rating

(21)

about 1 year
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

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.

Courses, kits & gifts

gold award

Cardiff

Maille making the traditional way

Next date: 12th May 2024

3 places left

(16)

£65.00

gold award

Craft kit

Wooden Maille Construction Kit

49 items left

(2)

£23.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

20 Apr 24'

Ieuan & Bryn reviewed: Maille making the traditional way

"Both myself and my brother had the pleasure of attending one of Phil’s courses last week. Couldn’t have had a better time! A great day that started with some history, and expert knowledge from Phil with some amazing examples and finished pieces of maille that we got to handle and even try on! Then it was time to get hands on and boy we really got stuck in learning the whole process from drawing the wire through to drifting and riveting our own rings. Throughout the day it felt both relaxed and fun with conversation flowing between the group, Phil and his partner who made sure we all felt welcome. I’d absolutely recommend this course to anyone with an interest in maille."

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Glad to hear that you both enjoyed it so much and looking forward to seeing how you get on with making your own maille at home. Always here for advice on tools and hints and tips! I'm thinking through what might be included in an advanced course as we discussed on the day, so keep an eye out for future courses. Thanks for the positive feedback."

18 Apr 24'

Ade reviewed: Maille making the traditional way

"Phil is very knowledgeable. The history and development of chain maille was superbly explained. Taking you through the process of creating the individual links and riveting, and then onto actually making the maille was really well explained . Phil was at hand at all stages to offer advice and help. I hope there's an advance course."

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks Ade, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the feedback about an 'advanced' course, I'm looking at what that might involve as a few people have been suggesting it. Maybe see you again in the future!"

14 Feb 24'

Eric Nordgren reviewed: Maille making the traditional way

"The introductory Maille making course with Phil was great! Well paced, so we had time to learn about the history of this craft, looking at both historical and modern examples, then into the workshop where we got to learn the basics of each stage of the process. Would highly recommend!"

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks for the review, glad that you enjoyed the course. "

31 Jan 24'

Sean Robinson reviewed: Maille making the traditional way

"Phil is both deeply knowledgeable and expert in his tuition. We had an amazing day learning about the history and construction of chain mail in his workshop. As an experience day, it was outstanding, and would strongly recommend it. Great value, too."

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks Sean, great to work with you and your friends and glad you enjoyed it. Hope you get to carry on making a bit of mail in your own workshop some time."