Heritage Crafts Annual Awards 2024

Double shortlisting in prestigious awards

In a celebration of crafts, two lecturers and practitioners of heritage crafts have been shortlisted in the Heritage Crafts Awards.

Lecturer in Archaeology Ian Dennis and Reader in Conservation Phil Parkes have been shortlisted in the Heritage Crafts Silverlining Wales Maker Award.

The two alumni, with a combined 50 years’ service training future archaeologists and conservators, are among three finalists in this new category.

This is the second nomination for expert in maille-making, Phil Parkes (Archaeological Conservation, BSc 1992) who has pursued his interest in practical and craft skills, researching and producing maille armour using traditional techniques.  He has a thriving social media following where he  documents projects such as making a copy of a 15th century standard.

Nominated for his expertise in antler working and his commitment to reactivating this lost sustainable craft, lecturer in Archaeology Ian Dennis uses archaeological illustration and experimental archaeology to explore craft manufacturing techniques from Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age and Norse Britain.

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.

Lecturer in Archaeology Ian Dennis (Archaeology, BA 1992) teaches on both undergraduate and postgraduate archaeology courses in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion, including  Archaeological Illustration, Photography and Artefact Illustration.

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

The 2024 Heritage Crafts Awards are supported by the King Charles III Charitable Fund, Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, William Grant Foundation, Marsh Charitable Trust and Silverlining Furniture.

Further shortlists will be announced later this year. Finalists in all award categories are celebrated at the Heritage Craft Winners’ Reception at Eltham Palace in November, supported by The Royal Mint and English Heritage.