Heritage Crafts Annual Awards

Conservation professional shortlisted in prestigious awards

Long-serving Reader in Conservation has been shortlisted as Heritage Crafts Maker of the Year Award.

With 30 years’ service training conservators now practicing their profession worldwide, Phil Parkes is one of the three finalists in the Maker of the Year category.

An expert in maille-making, conservator Phil pursued his interest in practical and craft skills, researching and producing maille armour using traditional techniques. He regularly appears at exhibitions, festivals and schools, where he shares this expertise to help keep crafts alive. He has a thriving social media following where he  documents projects such as making a copy of a 15th century standard.

The Heritage Crafts Maker of the Year Award, supported by the Marsh Charitable Trust, recognises a heritage craftsperson who has made an outstanding contribution to their specific craft far beyond the ordinary, either in pushing their craft to new levels or contributing to its promotion or continuation in an exceptional way.

Demonstrating the highest level of craft skill, those shortlisted are held in high regard amongst their peers, representing all crafts from the most humble and simple to the most high-end.

Established in 2012, the prestigious Heritage Crafts Awards highlight the traditional living crafts in the UK, ranging from the President’s Award for Endangered Crafts, Maker of the Year and Sustainability Award, to awards for trainers, volunteers and young craftspeople.

Executive Director of Heritage Crafts, Daniel Carpenter (BA 2001, MA 2007) said:

‘The shortlisting of Heritage Crafts Award finalist has been as demanding as ever, with the high level of excellence we have come to expect. We are delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate such dedicated craftspeople across the UK and commend all our finalists.’

Reader in Conservation Phil Parkes ACR, FIIC (Archaeological Conservation, BSc 1992) teaches on both undergraduate and postgraduate conservation courses as part of the acclaimed conservation team in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion.

Finalists in all 12 award categories are celebrated at the Heritage Craft Winners’ Reception at Vicar’s Hall, Windsor Castle in November.