Celebrating Craftsmanship with Heritage Crafts and the Wales Maker of the Year Award
At Silverlining, craftsmanship and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. That is why partnering with Heritage Crafts, the UK’s national charity for traditional heritage crafts, feels so natural to us. Dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and safeguarding the skills that define our shared cultural heritage, Heritage Crafts plays a vital role in ensuring these traditions continue to evolve and inspire future generations.
This year, we were honoured to collaborate with Heritage Crafts to support the Wales Maker of the Year Award, an initiative that shines a spotlight on craftspeople who excel not only in preserving traditional techniques but also in reimagining them for the modern world. As a company proudly based in North Wales for nearly 40 years, this partnership holds a special significance for us. It celebrates not only the incredible talent within our local community but also the rich heritage of craftsmanship that inspires our work every day.
Under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III, Heritage Crafts has brought renewed attention to the importance of preserving these vital skills. Through the dedication of its team, led by Daniel Carpenter, Executive Director, this organisation has championed craftspeople across the UK, ensuring their knowledge and artistry are recognised and supported.
Recognising Excellence: Wales Maker of the Year Winner and Finalists
The inaugural Wales Maker of the Year Award was presented to Phil Parkes, a Maille maker whose exceptional craftsmanship and dedication have elevated this historic art form. Since focusing on Maille in 2018, Phil has demonstrated both innovation and precision, crafting pieces that allow researchers to explore the performance of historical armour. His work exemplifies the award’s mission: to honour craftspeople who balance tradition with innovation.
Reflecting on the award, our founder, Mark Boddington, said:
“It was an honour to celebrate Phil Parkes and his extraordinary contributions to the preservation of this heritage craft. Craftspeople like Phil remind us of the importance of safeguarding traditional techniques while pushing the boundaries of creativity.”
The ceremony also celebrated two remarkable finalists:
Ian Dennis, an antler worker reviving this ancient craft through his collaborations with archaeologists. By recreating detailed artifacts from Scotland’s history, Ian showcases the enduring relevance of traditional skills in understanding the past.
Mari Thomas, a renowned jewellery maker whose work combines Welsh heritage with modern design. Her prestigious commissions, including pieces for the Welsh Assembly Government, highlight her ability to tell stories through craftsmanship.
These finalists are a testament to the diverse and evolving nature of traditional crafts, where deep historical knowledge meets contemporary creativity.
Craftsmanship Meets Collaboration
As part of the celebration, we welcomed Phil and the finalists to our workshop in North Wales. These visits were more than an exchange of techniques—they were an opportunity to immerse ourselves in their unique approaches and perspectives. Witnessing their extraordinary skill firsthand reminded us of the importance of dialogue between makers. It is through these interactions that crafts evolve, combining timeless hand skills with cutting-edge innovation.
For us at Silverlining, these collaborations inspire new ideas and push us to think differently about our own craft. Whether creating bespoke furniture or exploring innovative materials, our work is deeply informed by the heritage and artistry we see in makers like Phil, Ian, and Mari.
Why Craftsmanship Matters
Traditional crafts represent far more than a connection to the past—they are a source of creativity, resilience, and innovation for the future. By supporting initiatives like the Wales Maker of the Year Award, we aim to ensure these skills are celebrated and adapted for new generations of makers, clients, and designers.
Congratulations to Phil Parkes and all the finalists on their remarkable achievements. Their dedication and ingenuity inspire us all to look at craft not as a relic of history, but as a living, breathing tradition that has the power to shape the future.