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.
"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!"
"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."
"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!"
"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. "
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