Phil Parkes Maille

Contact name: Phil Parkes

19
Total bookings

Rating

(24)

over 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

5 hours

Next date: 28th Jul 2024

2 places left

(19)

£65.00

gold award

Craft kit

Wooden Maille Construction Kit

49 items left

(2)

£23.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

16 Jun 24'

Philip Slough reviewed: Maille making the traditional way

"Had a great day despite little knowledge on the subject. Phil talked through the history of maille and showed us some original artefacts and talked through the different styles and techniques, as well as how maille evolved throughout the centuries from Celtic culture. We then were given the opportunity to make our own maille rings under his guidance in a workshop which included a lesson in metallurgy and different tools/techniques. We then had a go at making a piece of maille which was much harder than I imagined. With guidance and a bit of help I managed to make a small piece of chain maille. Phil is very knowledgeable on the entire subject as well as the practical application, which meant the structure of the day and learning tools were professional with the historical background explained. The whole experience was very welcoming and even when I struggled with some aspects, was given support by Phil to get through the different stages. Would highly recommend the experience, including total novices such as myself. I was really impressed and a great way to spend some of Fathers Day. "

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks for the review Phil and you made a great maille keyring to take away. Glad to hear it made a great Father's Day."

16 Jun 24'

Emma reviewed: Maille making the traditional way

"What a fab day! Phil is knowledgeable and passionate about the subject of maille. We started with some background information and had plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Then we went into the well-equipped workshop and made our own rings from scratch using a range of tools. After a lovely, sociable lunch break we then made our own pieces of maille by joining and riveting rings together. Not as easy as it looks, but so satisfying to achieve! We had a nice little goodie bag of our makes to take home at the end of the session. I would recommend this class to history buffs, craft fans, and anybody who fancies doing something a little bit different. "

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks Emma, it was great to have the lovely weather to sit in the garden for lunch. Glad to hear you enjoyed the course so much."

16 May 24'

Maria Kimak reviewed: Maille making the traditional way

"Phil is a knowledgeable and patient teacher and the course is super engaging and fun! It was so great to get a general overview of the history of chain maille and go on to learn the process from beginning to end, ultimately putting together our own small chain maille piece. Phil and his family were incredibly welcoming and I highly recommend this course, especially to anyone with an interest in historic crafts, metalworking or historical re-enactment. "

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks Maria, glad you enjoyed the course and thanks for all the interesting questions throughout the day!"

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."