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Written by Fran Withers
Co-written and edited by Ian Edwards |
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Jay is a furniture designer and an award-winning community leader based in Wolverhampton, although he heralds from Hackney in East London.
Jay is dyslexic, but this wasn’t diagnosed until he was 31. After leaving school at 15 with no qualifications, as a mature student he later gained a BA in Criminology and Philosophy at Buckinghamshire New University after which he found his true vocation in restoration and supporting vulnerable people in society. As the co-founder of former charities Street Dreams and Out of the Dark, Jay has been a huge source of motivation for thousands of disengaged and disadvantaged young people. He is passionate about supporting charitable causes that are close to his heart and loves the opportunity to get involved in projects that inspire change. Jay is an inspirational mentor and has the ability to encourage individuals to think differently and realise their full potential. |
Jay is well known to television viewers as the presenter and foreman of The Repair Shop. He is also known on TV for “Jay Blades’ Home Fix’’ and “Money For Nothing” as a modern furniture restorer, upcycler and eco designer who’s passionate about sustainability and the environment.
Early in 2021, Jay’s autobiography was published - ‘Making It” - which is his inspirational story about beating the odds and turning things around even when it all seems hopeless.
In May 2022, Jay presented a three-part documentary series on Channel Five (UK) called ‘No Place Like Home’ which explored the areas of his childhood such as Hackney and Bethnal Green. This was the first programme that was produced by his own TV production company, Hungry Jay Media.
Jay was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s 2021 Birthday Honours for services to craft and in recognition of his work promoting heritage craft and restoration in the UK. On 3rd May 2022, Jay was presented with his MBE by The Prince of Wales at an investiture at Windsor Castle.
Websites:
https://www.jayand.co
https://www.jayblades.co.uk
Social media:
Twitter: @jayblades_
Facebook: Jay & Co
Instagram: jay_n-co
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Blades
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8870371/
Book: Jay’s autobiography ‘Making it’, first published 13th May 2021
Early in 2021, Jay’s autobiography was published - ‘Making It” - which is his inspirational story about beating the odds and turning things around even when it all seems hopeless.
In May 2022, Jay presented a three-part documentary series on Channel Five (UK) called ‘No Place Like Home’ which explored the areas of his childhood such as Hackney and Bethnal Green. This was the first programme that was produced by his own TV production company, Hungry Jay Media.
Jay was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s 2021 Birthday Honours for services to craft and in recognition of his work promoting heritage craft and restoration in the UK. On 3rd May 2022, Jay was presented with his MBE by The Prince of Wales at an investiture at Windsor Castle.
Websites:
https://www.jayand.co
https://www.jayblades.co.uk
Social media:
Twitter: @jayblades_
Facebook: Jay & Co
Instagram: jay_n-co
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Blades
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8870371/
Book: Jay’s autobiography ‘Making it’, first published 13th May 2021
Steve is the third generation of a family of horologist. His grandfather Fred, started work in Witney, Oxfordshire in 1910 and set up his own shop. The business was carried on by Steve’s father, John, and now by Steve himself.
After gaining first class qualifications from a British Horological Institute college course in 1973, Steve began making and repairing clocks and watches himself. He regularly services clocks that his grandfather and father worked on, continuing 100 years of family craftsmanship. |
xAlthough Steve has become an expert horologist, this area of skill wasn’t always his priority he originally wanted to be a silversmith. He was offered an apprenticeship at Harts in Chipping Campden, the top silver people, but he chose not to pursue it. Luckily, he had a knack for turning his hand to anything and has become one of the country’s best horologists.
Steve has a son called Fred, named after Steve’s grandfather, who has now joined the team at the shop and is busy learning the ropes. He will hopefully carry the family tradition on into a 4th generation.
Steve is Suzie's brother.
Website: http://www.clockworkshop.co.uk
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8870374/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055436751756
Instagram: stevefletcher.clocks
Instagram: clock_workshop_whitney
Steve has a son called Fred, named after Steve’s grandfather, who has now joined the team at the shop and is busy learning the ropes. He will hopefully carry the family tradition on into a 4th generation.
Steve is Suzie's brother.
Website: http://www.clockworkshop.co.uk
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8870374/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055436751756
Instagram: stevefletcher.clocks
Instagram: clock_workshop_whitney
Since childhood, watching his grandfather working in his workshop, Will has had a passionate interest in furniture. He studied BA Graphic Design at the University of the Arts, followed by graduating with a BA in Antique Furniture Restoration and Conservation at London Metropolitan University (formally known as London School of Furniture), where he honed his skills and acquired a deeper knowledge of furniture restoration and conservation. |
After graduating, Will travelled to Italy with the Worshipful Company of Painters and Stainers, to represent the UK at the annual 'Salon Decorative Arts Fair', as well as working for various workshops and dealers in and around London.
Since setting up his London based workshop in 2012, Will and his team of craftsmen have worked on a variety of commissions, from much loved family heirlooms, to larger corporate contracts
Will appeared on the very first episode of The Repair Shop, aired on 27th March 2017, when he restored a wooden flying fish.
Will is an Ambassador of the Heritage Crafts Association.
In October 2020, Will became a presenter on the (UK) BBC show ‘Morning Live’ giving DIY advice.
On 7th August 2021 Will posted on his social media that he has married his long time partner Polly Snowden and in March 2022 Will announced that he and Polly were expecting their first baby.
Website: http://www.williamkirkrestoration.co.uk
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8870376/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t3
Instagram: williamkirkrestoration
Twitter: @W_K_Restoration
Since setting up his London based workshop in 2012, Will and his team of craftsmen have worked on a variety of commissions, from much loved family heirlooms, to larger corporate contracts
Will appeared on the very first episode of The Repair Shop, aired on 27th March 2017, when he restored a wooden flying fish.
Will is an Ambassador of the Heritage Crafts Association.
In October 2020, Will became a presenter on the (UK) BBC show ‘Morning Live’ giving DIY advice.
On 7th August 2021 Will posted on his social media that he has married his long time partner Polly Snowden and in March 2022 Will announced that he and Polly were expecting their first baby.
Website: http://www.williamkirkrestoration.co.uk
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8870376/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t3
Instagram: williamkirkrestoration
Twitter: @W_K_Restoration
Suzie is a Master English Saddle Maker and a member of the Society of Master Saddlers. She specialises in the restoration and repairs of saddles, leather goods and solid leather furniture.
Suzie has been an avid rider since childhood and was determined to become a Master in saddle making. She started training in 1975, then spent two years at The Cordwainers College in London and continued her formal apprenticeship under several Master Saddlers - including William Turner, the then appointed harness maker to the Queen of England. |
She has the honour of working on some sets of harness used in many state functions.
Suzie took her skills to the USA and after 22 years there, she returned to the UK and settled in Oxfordshire where she now has her workshop.
Suzie is Steve’s sister.
Website: https://suziefletcher.co.uk
Suzie took her skills to the USA and after 22 years there, she returned to the UK and settled in Oxfordshire where she now has her workshop.
Suzie is Steve’s sister.
Website: https://suziefletcher.co.uk
Dominic (or Dom, as he is known to viewers of The Repair Shop) originally started his career in graphic design and he studied at South East Essex College in Essex. He then went on to tackle classic car restoration and he also has a career in set design.
While working as a set designer, he was actually contacted to design and make The Repair Shop light up sign on the outside of the barn, alongside the interior set pieces. Being pleased with his work and having realised that he had an interest in antiques and a variety of |
skills that would prove useful for the team, they asked him to appear in front of the camera as well, repairing items.
A born problem solver, one of Dom’s latest projects is working on the ‘The Repair Shop’ where the designer maker tests his skills in many materials whilst indulging his love of craftsmanship, vintage and antiques.
Dom says “I wouldn’t really like to call myself an expert in any field! However, I love learning and I’m constantly trying to learn and improve new skills. Instead I always seem to think of myself in terms of the saying “A jack of all trades, a master of none” dipping into all different subjects”.
Dom is being modest. In addition to the metal work skills he has brought to bear on numerous repairs, he is skilled across many mediums inc. wood, paint work, sign writing & whatever he needs to turn his hand to. He has a passion for restoring any classic vehicles, as well as sign writing, as long as it has history and a story to tell.
Website: http://dominicchinea.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/DominicChineas
Twitter: @DominicChinea
Instagram: dominicchinea
BBC Media: www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/the-repair-shop/dominic-chinea
A born problem solver, one of Dom’s latest projects is working on the ‘The Repair Shop’ where the designer maker tests his skills in many materials whilst indulging his love of craftsmanship, vintage and antiques.
Dom says “I wouldn’t really like to call myself an expert in any field! However, I love learning and I’m constantly trying to learn and improve new skills. Instead I always seem to think of myself in terms of the saying “A jack of all trades, a master of none” dipping into all different subjects”.
Dom is being modest. In addition to the metal work skills he has brought to bear on numerous repairs, he is skilled across many mediums inc. wood, paint work, sign writing & whatever he needs to turn his hand to. He has a passion for restoring any classic vehicles, as well as sign writing, as long as it has history and a story to tell.
Website: http://dominicchinea.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/DominicChineas
Twitter: @DominicChinea
Instagram: dominicchinea
BBC Media: www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/the-repair-shop/dominic-chinea
Kirsten became a Ceramic Conservator through an interest in visual arts and a love of museums. She started her career in 1991 undertaking a 2 year post graduate diploma in ceramic and related materials conservation at the internationally renowned West Dean College of Arts and Conservation, Chichester.
Kirsten gained a British Antiques Dealer Association Diploma in the restoration & conservation of ceramics, glass, and related materials. |
Following graduation, she gained invaluable professional experience working in the Ceramic Conservation department at The British Museum, London. Experience gained during training included an internship at the V&A Museum, London and also Brighton Museum.
In 1995, whilst continuing part-time employment with The British Museum, she established her own business as a professional Ceramic Restorer and Conservator in Brighton and has been in private practice for over twenty years.
Website: https://www.sussexceramicrestoration.com
BBC Media Centre: https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/the-repair-shop/kirsten-ramsay
Instagram: cabin.girl
In 1995, whilst continuing part-time employment with The British Museum, she established her own business as a professional Ceramic Restorer and Conservator in Brighton and has been in private practice for over twenty years.
Website: https://www.sussexceramicrestoration.com
BBC Media Centre: https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/the-repair-shop/kirsten-ramsay
Instagram: cabin.girl
Brenton has been making and fixing as long as he can remember.
He was awarded a degree in silversmithing having studied at Medway College of Design, Rochester, Kent in the late 1970’s This course gave him the ability to shape, make and repair metal and other materials and the skills have enabled him to make such diverse items as wedding bands to silver items to wings and body parts for historic Formula 1 and classic cars. From 2005 to 2008, Brenton decided to pursue a career in photography by studying for another degree, this time at Plymouth College of Art. |
He graduated with First Class Honours and specialises in 19th Century photography and equipment.
He is now an expert in restoring vintage cameras and is also one of the few practicing daguerreotypists in the UK. (The Daguerreotype was the first successful photographic process available and used commercially in the 19th century. Unlike the quick and easy photography we know of today, the Daguerreotype process involved printing an image onto a silvered copper plate and was both laborious and time-consuming.)
Website: http://brentonwest.co.uk
Website: http://www.brentonwest.co.uk/
BBC Media Centre: https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/the-repair-shop/brenton-west
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Silversmith-Brenton-West-1891743021105549/
Instagram: brenton_west
Twitter: @BRENTON_WEST
He is now an expert in restoring vintage cameras and is also one of the few practicing daguerreotypists in the UK. (The Daguerreotype was the first successful photographic process available and used commercially in the 19th century. Unlike the quick and easy photography we know of today, the Daguerreotype process involved printing an image onto a silvered copper plate and was both laborious and time-consuming.)
Website: http://brentonwest.co.uk
Website: http://www.brentonwest.co.uk/
BBC Media Centre: https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/the-repair-shop/brenton-west
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Silversmith-Brenton-West-1891743021105549/
Instagram: brenton_west
Twitter: @BRENTON_WEST
Lucia is a formally trained Conservator of Paintings with over 30 years’ experience both in the Museum and private sectors. Conservation is carried out to museum standards and continued professional development is a feature of this practice.
Lucia has a 2.1 Hons from Sheffield University. She began her career in conservation after she received a Diploma in the Conservation of Easel Paintings from the University of Northumbria (which was formally known as Gateshead Technical College) and then embarked on a career at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1984. Lucia worked as a Senior Conservator of Paintings at the V&A for the following eleven years before setting up her own private practice studio in London. |
Over the years, Lucia’s experience and work includes:
Website: https://luciascalisi.wordpress.com
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8902760/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t10
Instagram: @luciainlondon123
- Chief restorer with the ‘Calcutta Tercentenary Trust’ at Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkatta, India.
- Lecturer at the Academy of Conservation in Tbilisi, Georgia.
- Advisor to The Levantine Foundation/Deir al-Surian Desert Monastery, Egypt.
- Lecturer in Conservation Studies at London City & Guilds.
- Working with the American University of Beirut (AUB) on their inaugural collection.
- A conservation professional within ICOM-Conservation (International Council of Museums) & BAPCR (British Assoc. of Paintings Conservators/Restorers).
Website: https://luciascalisi.wordpress.com
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8902760/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t10
Instagram: @luciainlondon123
Julie and Amanda work together as a team, nicknamed the ‘Teddy Bear Ladies’ and are the show’s resident teddy bear repair experts. Julie and Amanda began working together in 2006 when they discovered a shared passion for promoting and encouraging art and creativity primarily through sewing. They joined forces to combine teddy bear and soft toy design and construction with helping to enthuse children (and their parents) through workshops and creative birthday parties. They set up their business Bear It In Mind, located in Hythe, Southampton, which developed into restoration and repair as it became clear this was what people really wanted and they then began to focus entirely on this side of their work. |
With unique flair and passion, the ladies have created an extremely successful and highly regarded business with a strong emphasis on customer service. They use new and interesting ways of promoting themselves with ideas such as ‘pop-up clinics’ which find the ladies travelling around the country giving people the chance to meet them before handing over such precious items as their childhood teddy bears.
As demand for their services increased, Julie, Amanda committed to take on an apprentice and other part-time staff who they have trained and encouraged and have who have become an important part of the team. Their small team deliver a high standard of workmanship restoring childhood memories in the form of teddy bears and other soft bodied toys. Their methods have been developed over many years and include traditional sewing techniques and those used in original manufacturing processes.
Website: www.bearitinmind.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teddybearladies/
Instagram: theteddybearladies
Twitter: @teddybearladies
As demand for their services increased, Julie, Amanda committed to take on an apprentice and other part-time staff who they have trained and encouraged and have who have become an important part of the team. Their small team deliver a high standard of workmanship restoring childhood memories in the form of teddy bears and other soft bodied toys. Their methods have been developed over many years and include traditional sewing techniques and those used in original manufacturing processes.
Website: www.bearitinmind.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teddybearladies/
Instagram: theteddybearladies
Twitter: @teddybearladies
Amanda and Julie work together as a team, nicknamed the ‘Teddy Bear Ladies’ and are the show’s resident teddy bear repair experts.
They have always been happy to work on any soft toy or teddy bear regardless of age or condition with an attitude of care and regard to the owners requirements. “There is always something we can do” is their familiar mantra. Maintaining historical accuracy in their sympathetic restorations is paramount in their approach and every effort is made to adhere to this ideal as closely as possible whilst also taking into account customers’ wishes - both at their shop and in The Repair Shop barn. The bear ladies are currently developing a series of on-line courses they hope will inspire other like-minded crafters into this area. |
Now working from their home-based studio in Southampton, Amanda and Julie are leading lights in the repair and restoration industry. They feature regularly in The Repair Shop, are feature writers for the Teddy Bear Times magazine and are the restorers of choice for Merrythought in Ironbridge, Shropshire (Merrythought is a toy manufacturing company specialising in soft toys, especially teddy bears, and is the last remaining British teddy bear factory to still make its products in Britain)
Alongside their regular appearances on TV and radio, they also have their own podcast called ‘Bearly Begun’ and an active social media following on both Twitter and Instagram.
Website: www.bearitinmind.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teddybearladies/
Instagram: theteddybearladies
Twitter: @teddybearladies
Alongside their regular appearances on TV and radio, they also have their own podcast called ‘Bearly Begun’ and an active social media following on both Twitter and Instagram.
Website: www.bearitinmind.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teddybearladies/
Instagram: theteddybearladies
Twitter: @teddybearladies
Sonnaz is a British-Iranian upholsterer from Pamphill, Dorset.
Her original plan was to study Law at university but then her creative passions got in the way. Ditching the Law degree, Sonnaz underwent an apprenticeship in upholstery at Sunseeker yachts. She is unique as an upholsterer as her work covers all areas – including boats. Her love for boats and yachts came from a young age, as Sonnaz lived on an Iranian Navy merchant ship when she was just a newborn child! |
Sonnaz now owns her own company, Sonnaz Limited, which she founded in 2011. According to their website, the company aims "to bring fabulousness and craftsmanship into every space we possibly can".... “the craftsmanship that goes into all aspects ultimately prevents treasured items ending their usefulness in landfill. They live on to tell stories about their current owners, past generations, long-lost families and all manner of historical backdrops."
Website: https://www.sonnaz.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/SonnazSZ
Instagram: sonnaz_
Twitter: @sonnaz_
Website: https://www.sonnaz.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/SonnazSZ
Instagram: sonnaz_
Twitter: @sonnaz_