Phil Parkes Maille

Contact name: Phil Parkes

26
Total bookings

Rating

(26)

almost 2 years
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 Professor in Conservation at Cardiff University.

Courses, kits & gifts

gold award

Cardiff

Maille making the traditional way

5 hours

Next date: 9th Feb 2025

4 places left

(21)

£65.00

gold award

Craft kit

Wooden Maille Construction Kit

48 items left

(2)

£23.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

23 Oct 24'

MF reviewed: Maille making the traditional way

"I had a great day on this course. Phil covered a lot of information about a very wide subject in a relaxed and interesting way. Making the maille was great fun with plenty of help all the way through if needed. Very hospitabe and highly recommended. "

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks Matt, glad you enjoyed the hands-on making the maille. It's addictive once you start!"

18 Oct 24'

Nicholls family of 2 reviewed: Maille making the traditional way

"Wonderful experience! Very friendly. Thoroughly enjoyed! Lots of knowledge gained too!"

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Glad to hear you enjoyed it, looking forward to seeing what you make!"

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."