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Episode 1
First shown 1st Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 1st Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Resident clockmaker Steven Fletcher rescues a very special skeleton clock just in the nick of time. This Victorian antiquity has been in Nigel Burch’s family for four generations. It was awarded in 1918 to his grandfather Ernest Sidney, who despite sustaining an injury in the First World War went to become a successful athlete. Now with Nigel’s son Pete in training for the 2020 Paralympics, the time is right for Nigel to hand over the precious timepiece to the next generation.
Teddy bear repair pair Amanda and Julie have a huge job on their hands, bringing a giant bear back to his former glory. Owner Stefan wants to pass ‘Big Ted’ down to his ten-year-old daughter Jessica, but sadly this larger than life bear is a shadow of his former self, currently living out his days in a black bin liner with all the stuffing knocked out of him. Julie and Amanda soon run out of work space in the barn, so take Big Ted outside to start his transformation into a cuddly colossus. And vintage radio restorer Mark Stuckey revives a much-loved transistor radio that holds very dear memories for its owner. Bought by Albert Thompson and his then-girlfriend Eileen in 1961, it provided the soundtrack to Albert and Eileen’s courtship and to their long and happy marriage. Sadly, the radio broke down and stopped working two years to the day after Albert’s beloved wife Eileen passed away. It will take the combined efforts of three of the Repair Shop’s finest experts to bring it back to life. |
Episode 2
First shown 2nd Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 2nd Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Things are heating up in the Repair Shop forge as metalworker Dominic Chinea tackles one of the biggest challenges he’s ever faced: a dilapidated old weather vane that once stood proudly on the roof of the village church in Gosport, Hampshire. Rusted and stubbornly non-functioning, the job requires Dom to call on all his considerable skills – from metal salvage to graphic design – before it can be reinstalled, to stand proudly once again in its Hampshire churchyard home.
Master saddler Suzie Fletcher enlists the help of teddy bear expert Julie Tatchell to fix an unusual leather rhino named Ralph. Poor old Ralph is missing his tail, has a baggy bottom and bears the scars of a tangle with the family cat. But despite his weathered appearance, he is a much-treasured gift and has huge sentimental value for his owner Claire. And the Repair Shop's authority on all things clockwork, horologist Steve Fletcher, does some sterling work on a little racing car and amazes its owner with an unexpected addition. |
Episode 3
First shown 3rd Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 3rd Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Organ builder David Burville takes on the repair of a vintage harmonium, brought into the Repair Shop by Marian Stanley. Marian’s family come from Stepney in London’s East End, and she has many fond memories of the harmonium and the festive gatherings for which it provided the soundtrack, with family members of different generations all taking their turn at the keyboard. However, the harmonium is now over a hundred years old and hasn’t played a tune in decades. With leaky bellows, broken reeds and cracked and chipped casing, David has a massive job on his hands to get it playing again.
Ceramics conservator Kirsten Ramsay also faces a daunting challenge in the shape of a ceramic dish that was smashed to bits 25 years ago by then-13-year-old Karen Barnett. The dish was Karen’s father Richard’s pride and joy, and Karen has lived with the guilt ever since. And Jay leads the repair of a hand-crafted doll’s house with a touching story behind it. As a young girl, on her daily walk to school with her grandfather, Debbie White would pass the same black and white house every morning. Debbie loved the house so much that her grandfather promised her that one day she would have it. And the following Christmas, there it was under the tree in miniature form, handmade by her grandfather. Debbie has treasured the doll’s house ever since, but now rickety and in danger of collapsing, it takes the combined efforts of Jay, furniture restorer Will Kirk and art conservator Lucia Scalisi to return the beloved toy to its former splendour. |
Episode 4
First shown 4th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 4th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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93-year old D-Day veteran Thomas Hassell has brought along a treasured item with a proud history: a smart military ‘swagger stick’ awarded to him while on army service in Berlin for consistently being the smartest soldier on parade. The stick is a cherished symbol of a long and proud career, but sadly the decades have not been kind, and the silver head is badly dented and discoloured. It’s down to silversmith Brenton West to knock out the dents and give the stick its swagger back – but the task proves much harder than anticipated.
Metalworker Dominic Chinea enlists the help of England’s last remaining master cooper, Alastair Simms, to tackle the repair of a miniature whisky barrel with huge emotional significance to owner Deirdre. According to family legend, the tiny barrel was made from the salvaged wood of a wrecked ship captained by Deirdre’s ancestor, and it was a regular fixture at family gatherings throughout her childhood. But some years ago Deirdre decided to give it a clean, only for it to fall to pieces in her hands. Dom sets about the repair, with the help of Alastair – and a tin of chocolate biscuits! And basketry specialist Sarah Hatton undertakes the repair of a very precious set of wicker baby-weighing scales, which have played host to multiple generations of new-borns. |
Episode 5
First shown 5th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 5th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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There’s a touch of magic in the air as music box restorer Stephen Kember mends a much-cherished but sadly long-mute music box. Bequeathed to Betty Hill by her beloved father, a professional stage magician, this miniature music box presents an exacting undertaking for Steve. With every element on a smaller scale than usual, it’s on with the magnifying specs to examine the delicate inner workings of this marvellous machine. Can Steve pull a rabbit out of the hat and get this tiny box tinkling once more?
It’s a game of two halves as clockmaker Steven Fletcher and furniture restorer Will Kirk breathe new life into a dilapidated penny arcade machine. This fabulous piece of seaside nostalgia belongs to Christine Dawkins and her husband Frank, who can’t bear to part with it even though it stopped working in 1986 when it was badly damaged in a flood. While Will works on the water damaged case, Steve tackles the mechanical workings, which have rusted over and completely seized up. With each individual component needing to be examined, stripped down and cleaned, it will take all Steve’s ingenuity to get the machine back in the game. Lastly, Caroline and Mark from St Ives have called in the cavalry in the form of soft toy supremos Amanda and Julie to rehabilitate a threadbare horse on wheels that holds many cherished memories of Caroline’s late brother. |
Episode 6
First shown 8th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 8th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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A tired-looking and dilapidated old rocking horse arrives at the barn, requiring the joint attention of furniture restorer Will Kirk and saddlery expert Suzie Fletcher. The rocking horse has been part of owner Julie’s life since childhood, but after she carried out a bodged renovation with her husband Paul, they had always planned to return to the job and make a second attempt at restoration together. Sadly, before they could begin, Paul was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away just a few weeks ago. Now Julie has grandchildren on the way, so needs Will and Suzie to help keep Paul’s dream alive and revive this much-loved heirloom for future generations.
Storm clouds gather for horologist Steve Fletcher as he attempts to revive a century-old barograph. This remarkable device was invented at a time of Victorian ingenuity to test and record weather pressure, and is now the proud possession of meteorology student Ollie, who is keen to use it to help prepare his online weather forecasts. Not only does the whole clock mechanism need a full overhaul, but the whole thing is thick with grime, meaning Steve has a challenge on his hands to get the clockwork mechanism working once more. And pinball wizard Geoffrey Harvey has great fun bringing a vintage machine ricocheting back to life. |
Episode 7
First shown 9th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 9th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Vintage bike restorer Tim Gunn faces a huge challenge when 80-year-old Peter Swash arrives at the workshop with an ancient penny-farthing in tow. The bicycle was barely rideable when he first came across it, but after patching it up with makeshift components, Peter spent a happy childhood riding around the country lanes of Cheshire. Now, 65 years later, Peter’s keen to get back on board – but with no seat post, no saddle, no brakes and wheels that don’t turn, it’s going to take all Tim’s expertise and experience to get this rare and marvellous machine back on the road.
Master saddlemaker Suzie Fletcher takes on the repair of a battered leather briefcase with a very proud history. Owner Betty was given it by her parents 65 years ago to mark the occasion of her qualification as an engineer – according to Betty, the first ever female member of the Institute for Structural Engineers. Armed with her briefcase, Betty blazed a trail for gender equality, and Suzie declares herself greatly honoured to take on the repair. Lastly, Steve Fletcher brings all his expertise to bear on the repair of an old clocking-on clock from the bustling British Rail depot in Crewe. Owner Bob spent 25 years clocking on to his shifts on this very same clock, which holds a great deal of emotional significance for him. But the job takes an unexpected turn for Steve when he discovers the existence of a mystery cog that has no obvious place in the mechanism. |
Episode 8
First shown 10th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 10th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Metal worker Dom Chinea takes on the challenge of a battered old barber’s pole that stood proudly outside a London barber’s shop for decades. Harry’s barber shop opened in London’s Holborn in 1968 and established itself – and Harry – as a local legend, with the iconic pole a permanent fixture until it closed its doors 35 years later. Now Harry’s son Caner has brought the empty metal casing to the barn, hoping Dom can bring it whirring back to life. But lacking not just a motor, but also the iconic red and white pole itself, Dom finds himself with a bigger than expected job on his hands. And it doesn’t help when the repair gets off to the worst possible start.
Fine-art conservator Lucia Scalisi takes on the restoration of a significant early work by eminent Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu. The colourful artwork has faded over time, and the 75-year-old varnish is yellowing badly, but it’s the tear down the middle of the painting that’s in most dire need of repair. Lucia brings all her skills to bear on the fix, and owner Norma can barely believe her eyes when she sees the finished result. And Will Kirk undertakes the dramatic transformation of a wooden writing case that had lain hidden and undiscovered under the eaves of the family attic for several decades. Cracked and charred it may be, but the case is of huge significance to owner Alan Thompson, thanks to the documents he discovered inside it, which quite literally changed his life. |
Episode 9
First shown 11th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 11th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Upholsterer Sonnaz Nooranvary revamps a family treasure with an intriguing history. This threadbare theatre chair once played host to thousands of theatre-goers and bingo players in the auditorium of the famous Derby Hippodrome. Bought over 20 years by Jamie Woods’s parents, the theatre chair has sat in a state of disrepair and was declared unsafe for Jamie to sit on. Young Jamie coveted the chair for many years as it sat languishing in the family attic, and was always determined to see it brought back to life. But before Sonnaz can begin work on the upholstery, metalworker Dom must work his magic on the metal frame and remake the missing wooden armrest. Together, Dom and Sonnaz revive this wonderful piece of theatrical heritage, so that it can take centre stage once again.
Susan Scholes from Oldham brings a fragile locket needing the expert attention of silversmith, Brenton West. The locket is over 100 years old, and was given to Susan’s grandmother by her fiancé (Susan’s grandfather) before he set off for the trenches of the First World War. She wore it throughout the war, with photos of the two sweethearts side by side within the locket. It is a cherished symbol of Susan’s grandparents' love story, and has huge emotional resonance for her. And Steve and Suzie Fletcher team up to work on a rare and fascinating timepiece brought in by Michael Mount and his granddaughter Maisie. This ingenious inclined-plane clock was made from a design created in the 17th century. The drum of the clock inches down the leather-covered slanting shelf, powered by gravity, and not only tells the time but also the days of the week. Unfortunately the clock hasn’t worked for years - and it turns out that Maisie holds the key as to just why it stopped functioning. |
Episode 10
First shown 12th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 12th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Furniture restorer Will Kirk takes on a unique challenge – a hand-crafted spinning wheel originating from Shetland, which hasn’t been used for nearly 50 years. Brought in by Christine Hunter, the spinning wheel was the property of her Auntie Annie, whose spinning demonstrations were once a popular tourist attraction on Shetland. But with the wheel now battered, bent and broken, Will has a huge challenge ahead to get this traditional tool turning once more, so he calls in two heritage craft experts to help with the reconstruction of this unique piece of family history.
Camera expert Brenton West tackles the repair of a broken 1960s Eumig cine-projector. This vintage home movie player holds the key to a lifetime of happy memories for its owner, 80-year-old Allan Barham. Allan was a keen amateur cinematographer, and faithfully documented the early years of his marriage to wife Fran on his 8mm camera. Sadly, Fran has recently passed away, and Allan is now keen to relive those early years he captured on film. The pressure is on for Brenton to get this machine running once more, but having not worked for nearly 30 years, it turns out to be a challenging fix. And cane expert Rachel South revamps a little wicker rocking chair steeped in precious childhood memories for Ushma Knapp. The chair was handmade by her father over 30 years ago, and it has huge emotional significance for Ushma. |
Episode 11
First shown 15th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 15th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Dominic Chinea takes on a repair of huge significance to the residents of the village of Norton in Northamptonshire: a faded and misshapen wooden memorial board that records the names of all the men of the village who served in the First World War. Sadly, the names have eroded over time and many are no longer legible. With the centenary of the 1918 armistice looming, the villagers would dearly love to see the names of the fallen restored, so that they can be honoured for years to come. Dom is apprehensive about taking on such an important and time-sensitive repair, but relishes the opportunity to get out his gold leaf kit and bring the faded names back to life.
Maxine Frodsham arrives at the workshop with a dearly loved teddy bear for the attention of toy restoration duo Amanda and Julie. The bear belonged to Maxine’s stepfather, Ian, for whom he was a constant companion right from the day he was born over 60 years ago. Tragically, Ian passed away only recently, and Maxine and the rest of his family are desperate to see his much-loved plaything restored as a fitting tribute to Ian’s memory. And ‘Pinball Geoff’ Harvey works his magic on an iconic German-built one-armed bandit that owner Freyja Burrell has treasured ever since she was given it by her father, aged just 4. Known as a Beromat, these machines were highly popular in the 1960s, and this particular example held Freyja enthralled throughout her childhood. But now, jammed up and non-functioning, Geoff has his work cut out to get the reels spinning again, to be enjoyed by a brand new generation of Burrells. |
Episode 12
First shown 16th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 16th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Upholsterer Sonnaz Nooranvary takes on the repair of an old wooden barber’s chair that once took pride of place in an Essex barber’s shop. Now the proud property of Mick Glozier, the chair was owned first by his grandfather and then by his father, both of whom were barbers – and according to Mick, every child in the village would be sat down in the chair for their regular trim. The chair holds countless happy memories for Mick, but the years haven’t been kind to it, and Sonnaz needs to draw on all her experience to bring it back to its former magnificence.
Horologist Steve Fletcher and metalworker Dominic Chinea team up for the repair of another family heirloom that played a key part in a family business: a magnificent clock that stood for decades above the entrance of a Surrey newsagent’s. Battered and lashed by years of British winters, the clock is in a sorry state – rusted and broken, and no longer functioning. But with Dom tackling the case and Steve setting to work on the inner mechanism, the Repair Shop team are confident the clock will soon be back to its best. And silversmith Brenton West is on hand to fix a precious metal box that is tarnished, tattered and coming apart at the seams. Made of a delicate metal called antimony, it poses a real challenge for Brenton, who isn’t helped when Steve warns him of his own youthful experience trying to repair antimony - which resulted in a pool of molten metal and one rather unhappy girlfriend! |
Episode 13
First shown 17th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 17th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Jonathan Owen from Sussex arrives at the barn bearing a small item with a big history for the attention of woodwork specialist Will Kirk. The prized possession is a hand-made model Spitfire plane, carved by Jonathan’s Uncle Reggie between bombing raids over Germany. Reggie flew Lancaster bombers during the Second World War, and the Spitfire was intended as a gift for his little brother, Jonathan’s father – but tragically, Reggie was killed in action before he could present it. The tiny plane has been dearly treasured ever since, but now chipped, with a broken wing and missing part of its propellor, Will has a delicate and important job on his hands.
Master saddlemaker Suzie Fletcher undertakes her biggest Repair Shop task yet, as she tackles the repair of a worn out and badly torn leather pouffe with precious memories for its owner Lou. The pouffe once took pride of place in Lou’s grandmother’s house and was the focus of many a childhood game. However, it has deteriorated badly over time, and Suzie now faces the mammoth task of taking it apart piece by piece before strengthening each panelled section and then re-sewing over 300 individual seams! And silversmith Brenton West takes on the repair of a battered silver purse with huge emotional importance to owner June. While Brenton taps out the dents on the exquisite silver shell, Suzie is pressed into action once again as she puzzles over just how to replace the complicated folding leather interior. |
Episode 14
First shown 18th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 18th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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This time, no fewer than four experts pool their talents to tackle the repair of a battered, old ventriloquist’s dummy who goes by the name of George. George and owner Alan were once a formidable stage double act, but time has taken its toll on Alan’s cheeky sidekick, leaving him with wonky eyes, a severely chipped face and virtually no hair. Will the combined efforts of mechanical maestro Steve, ceramics conservator Kirsten and toy repair duo Amanda and Julie be enough to get George stage-worthy again, ready for Alan to entertain his grandchildren at an upcoming birthday party?
Silversmith Brenton West takes on the repair of a silver running trophy that survived a direct hit during the Blitz. Brought in by Valerie Bowker, the trophy was once the proud possession of her father, who was a successful amateur athlete in his youth. Sadly, this trophy is the only remaining memento Valerie has of her dad, as everything else was destroyed in the bomb blast. Brenton has his hands full restoring the dented, tarnished and bent trophy back to a fitting state. And husband-and-wife team Walid and JouJou Saad are on hand to repair a vintage portable typewriter, an iconic Corona 3 dating from the 1920s. The typewriter hasn’t worked for many years, but Walid and JouJou are confident they can bring it back to life using all the tricks of their trade. |
Episode 15
First shown 19th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 19th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Dominic Chinea takes on the restoration of a once brightly coloured wooden carousel horse, a poignant reminder for owner Niki Burns of her father and grandfather, and of the fairground amusement business they ran together. The passing decades haven’t been kind to the little horse: the colours have faded almost to obscurity, the wood is severely rotten in places, and the shiny brass pole on which it once stood proud is nowhere to be seen. Undaunted, Dom sets to work, knowing it will take all his skills and experience to get this gaudy galloper looking gorgeous once again.
Ceramics conservator Kirsten Ramsay is charged with the task of repairing a little cat teapot with an extraordinary wartime story behind it. The teapot was given to its current owner Matthew by next-door neighbour and lifelong friend Gladys. As Matthew understands it, during the Second World War Gladys spent time in France and Germany, working as a spy behind enemy lines. She was given the teapot by a grateful member of the Resistance, only for it to end up smashed when German forces boarded and ransacked the train she was travelling on. With the weight of history upon her, Kirsten first has to undo a botched repair before painstakingly tackling the job of making the cat teapot seamlessly whole again. And Will Kirk takes on the emotional repair of a 3D wooden boat puzzle, the only reminder owner Keith has of his much-loved late father. |
Episode 16
First shown 22nd Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 22nd Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Radio expert Mark Stuckey has a job on his hands, repairing a 1930s transistor radio brought into the Repair Shop by David Hill from Brecon. The radio was given to David’s father by an army officer on the beaches at Dunkirk during the Second World War, and after being successfully shepherded through the bullets and the crashing waves to safety, it became the Hill family’s pride and joy. But the 75 subsequent years have not been kind, with the vintage transistor battered and broken both inside and out, and it takes all Mark’s years of experience to get it playing once again.
Horologist Steve Fletcher leads a team restoration of an old grandfather clock with many precious memories for its owner, Christine, who is unaware that her best friend Karen has contacted the Repair Shop to have it repaired. With Steve drafting in specialist help from dial restorer Cindy Welland and wood expert Will Kirk, the clock is finally ready to be returned to an unsuspecting Christine - and her reaction leaves not a dry eye in the house. And master saddler Susie Fletcher takes on the repair of a battered leather mahjong case with huge sentimental value to its owner, Lindsay, whose mother bought it with her as a child and who has lovingly treasured it ever since. |
Episode 17
First shown 23rd Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 23rd Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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97-year old Audrey is the owner of a beautiful vintage concertina dating from the late 19th century, which once belonged to her grandfather Hubert. Hubert volunteered for service at the outbreak of the First World War and was sent to France, where between combat he would entertain the troops with his trusty concertina. After the war, the concertina remained a family favourite, and Audrey has many fond memories of her grandfather entertaining her with it. But with leaky bellows and broken reeds, it hasn’t played a tune in decades. Accordion restorer Roger Thomas has a serious job on his hands to get the concertina working again, and to bring the memories flooding back for Audrey.
Fine art conservator Lucia Scalisi and furniture restorer Will Kirk team up for the repair of a beautiful hand-cut jigsaw, which is an important family heirloom but is now dirty and dishevelled, with several pieces missing altogether. Will sets to work recreating each missing piece, before Lucia carefully paints in the picture on each one, using an ancient technique involving, of all things, freshly cracked eggs. And Jenny Harvey from Essex brings in a polished wooden cocktail table with a secret compartment that any spy would be proud of – if only it actually worked as it did in its heyday. Can mechanical whizz Steve Fletcher figure out how the unique mechanism operates and get this piece of 1950s nostalgia functioning once again? |
Episode 18
First shown 24th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 24th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Guitar restorer David Kennett tackles a worn-out bass guitar belonging to Tony Wilson, founding member of 1970s funk legends Hot Chocolate. Tony passed the bass onto his son Danny, who much to his shame has never learned to play the dilapidated instrument, despite his family’s proud musical heritage. Can David help Danny achieve his ambition by getting this piece of musical history ready to rock again?
Leather expert Suzie Fletcher rescues a beautiful hand-carved belt that played a part in an inspiring and emotional wartime story. Brought into the Repair Shop by Graham Hinson and his sister Janet, the belt was presented to their father by a German prisoner of war in the final days of the Second World War, and its intricate carvings mark an unlikely friendship that had sprung up across enemy lines. Worn by Graham and Jan’s father almost every day since then, the belt is on its last legs and requires supremely delicate handling from Suzie as she strives to stabilise it for future generations. And metalwork maestro Dominic Chinea and gramophone guru Tim Weeks pair up to tackle a cheeky piece of British seaside nostalgia – a vintage slot machine called a Mutoscope, more commonly known as a ‘What the Butler Saw’. This much-loved machine was salvaged by David Powell in 1967, but hasn’t worked in 40 years after it was taken apart and a vital gear misplaced by David’s beloved wife Annie. Now David is longing to see it up and running again as a tribute to Annie, who recently passed away. |
Episode 19
First shown 25th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 25th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Clockwork maestro Steve Fletcher is thrilled to find himself working on a remarkable, quirky train set designed and built by the celebrated cartoonist and inventor Rowland Emmet. Emmet is best known as the brainbox behind all the inventions in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and this train set bears all the hallmarks of those extraordinary contraptions. Now in the ownership of Rowland Emmet’s nephew John, the train set hasn’t worked in decades. Steve has his hands full with this one, so he enlists the help of ceramics conservator Kirsten Ramsay. Can this dream team get the train back up and running?
Furniture restorer Will Kirk takes on the challenging repair of a wooden nautical ‘Ditty Box’ – the term used to describe any box used by sailors to store their most prized possessions. This particular specimen survived a shipwreck that claimed its owner’s life, but the ravages of time have been less kind. The box is coming apart at the seams, the brasswork is badly deteriorating, and the interior compartments are broken and in bits. It’s Will’s job to piece the ditty box back together again – and to solve the mystery of the secret compartment that lies within! And toy restoration experts Amanda and Julie carry out a stunning repair job on a much-loved doll called Mary, the only remaining memento owner Barbara has of her father, who gave it to her as a Christmas present way back in 1947. |
Episode 20
First shown 26th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 26th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Fine art conservator Lucia Scalisi finds herself in the middle of an unusual mystery when she sets about restoring a painting by celebrated artist CJ Frost. Brought into the Repair Shop by Andrew Winter, the portrait depicts his mother as a young woman, and having been left languishing in an attic for decades, it has become torn and discoloured over time. But as Lucia begins her painstaking restoration work, she makes an unusual and surprising discovery.
Mechanically minded duo Steve Fletcher and David Burville team up for the repair of a 130-year-old automaton tiger, which has amused and terrified generations of small children. Once the proud possessor of a ferocious growl and a fearsome leap, the tiger has lost its sparkle in recent years. And fountain pen restorer and historian Laurence Oldfield tackles the restoration of a vintage Wyvern fountain pen. This treasured item was presented to owner Sharon by her grandfather to mark her achievement in being the first member of her family to graduate from university, but it hasn’t written a word for years. |
Episode 21
First shown 29th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 29th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Gramophone guru Tim Weeks takes on the repair of an antique wooden phonograph, brought into the Repair Shop by Nicola Dean, whose father was an avid collector of phonographs and gramophones. This particular model – an Edison Opera Phonograph – was his prized possession and the centrepiece of his collection. However, it suffered badly in a collision with a group of over-enthusiastic small children, and now not only does it not work, but the distinctive wooden horn has become separated from the main body of the item. Tim must call upon all his experience, as well as the wood restoration skills of fellow expert Will Kirk, to get this marvellous music machine singing once again.
Upholsterer Sonnaz Nooranvary is faced with an unusual challenge when an armchair is brought in to the Repair Shop complete with a colourful rug stitched into the fabric. Much loved by three generations, the chair survived its trip from pre-war Nazi Germany but has become battered and faded over time. It takes the help of fine art conservator Lucia Scalisi to unravel the mystery of the colourful rug’s provenance. And Steve Fletcher takes on the repair of a battered old miner’s lamp that once saved the life of its owner, Hubert John, when he was caught up in an underground roof fall at the Hook colliery in Pembrokeshire. Hubert’s granddaughter, Rita, is hopeful that Steve can get the lamp burning brightly once more, while preserving the bumps and scratches that saved Hubert’s life. |
Episode 22
First shown 30th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 30th Apr 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Metalworker Dominic Chinea uses all his expertise to make a dilapidated and unsafe vintage go-kart roadworthy once again. Made by iconic toy manufacturer Triang, the go-kart has been loved to near-destruction by two generations of children, and owner Mervyn is keen to see it be enjoyed by his grandchildren. But before it can be ridden again, Dom needs to remake the seat, address the damaged paintwork and call upon the skills of bike restorer Tim Gunn to fix up the rickety wheels.
Ceramics conservator Kirsten Ramsay faces an unusual challenge in the shape of a charming little papier mache cat figurine, handmade by Joan de Bethel in 1953 as a gift to her future husband David. They didn’t realise it at the time, but this turned out to be a highly significant prototype, as Joan and David ended up devoting themselves full-time to crafting thousands of these highly collectible ceramic cats. This, the original De Bethel Cat, has seen much better days and is in dire need of conservation, posing a huge challenge for Kirsten, working in a medium she’s not familiar with. And master saddlemaker Suzie Fletcher is called upon to restore a hand-crafted leather gun slip, commissioned 30 years ago by Kim Davey as a gift for his father’s 60th birthday. It’s a an item of huge emotional significance for Kim, and Suzie calls upon all her care and attention to lovingly breathe new life back into this cherished item. |
Episode 23
First shown 1st May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 1st May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Experts Susie Fletcher and Brenton West team up for the repair of two leather boxing belts, awarded to celebrated Tongan heavyweight Kitione Lave, who enjoyed a long and successful career as ‘The Tongan Terror’, winning countless fights across the world. For Kitione’s daughter Trish and his wife Patricia, these belts are a cherished reminder of the champion they loved. But sadly the leather is now badly worn and in danger of falling apart, while the large silver medallions that adorn the belts are tarnished, the engravings are illegible, and one unfortunate boxer is missing a leg. It will take all of Susie and Brenton’s skills and experience to restore these prestigious prizes to tip-top condition.
Binocular repair guru Richard Biggs takes on the restoration of a pair of German-built Zeiss night-vision binoculars, salvaged from a captured U-Boat in the last months of the Second World War. They were brought into the workshop by Michael Rasmussen, whose father served in the Royal Navy, and who has treasured them ever since he was given them as a child. But the years haven’t been kind, and the binoculars now produce an image that is foggy and out of focus, while the paintwork is chipped and faded. But it soon transpires that Richard’s biggest challenge will be getting the binoculars apart in order to commence the repair! And Steve Fletcher is very nearly stumped by a vintage mechanical money box that has just one flaw – it is missing all its mechanics. When fellow expert Dom announces that he’s equally out of ideas, Steve realises that what at first appeared a simple repair is going to take all his ingenuity and expertise to achieve. |
Episode 24
First shown 2nd May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 2nd May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Music box maestro Stephen Kember is on hand to welcome an unusual item into the barn: a wooden bench from Switzerland, with two carved bears proudly standing sentinel on either side of a seat that plays a tune when sat upon. This much-loved bench has been in owner Gill Hawkins’s family since 1950, when her parents brought it back from a holiday in the Alps, and it has kept several generations of her family entertained ever since. But the bench no longer plays a tune, and the bears themselves are faded, battered and looking their age. While Stephen tackles the musical mechanism, furniture restorer Will Kirk takes on the challenge of reviving the woodwork – starting with a bit of bear dentistry.
Master saddlemaker Suzie Fletcher is called upon to repair of a pair of military mementoes owned by a remarkable soldier who served in both world wars. Chris Adams has brought the items to the Repair Shop: a helmet that saw action in the First World War and a set of leather spurs dating from the Second World War. The helmet and spurs belonged to Chris’s grandfather, who served his country with distinction, and who recorded his experiences in an extraordinary diary. Jay and Suzie are left almost lost for words as Chris reads out the entry that records how the helmet saved his grandfather’s life at Gallipoli. With the weight of history heavy on her shoulder, Suzie feels a great responsibility to breathe new life back into these precious items. And mechanical maestro Steve Fletcher is tasked with the restoration of an old Victorian Kaleidoscope, belonging to 91-year-old Francis Rutter. The precious toy kept a nine-year-old Francis occupied and amused through a nasty childhood illness, and it is now destined to be passed down the generations to Francis’s six-month-old great-grandson Zach – but only if Steve can restore it to its former splendour. |
Episode 25
First shown 3rd May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 3rd May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Vintage bike restorer Tim Gunn brings all his skill to bear on a wartime bicycle once owned and used by a Bletchley Park code breaker. Huw Banister’s mum Rachel rode to and from work every day on this trusty machine, as she strove to crack enemy communications during World War Two. But the subsequent years have not been kind to Rachel’s bike, which has stood gathering dust for decades. Now in her nineties, Huw would love Rachel to see her beloved bicycle made roadworthy and to see it ridden once again.
Soft toy restorers Amanda and Julie take on a bear on wheels, much loved by his owner Janet, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child. Janet used her sturdy friend to learn to walk, and fondly dubbed him Wheelie Ted. But poor old Wheelie Ted is now a shadow of his former self. Worst of all, he was sewn into a new cover sixty years ago and has been kept under wraps ever since. Once the cover is removed, Amanda and Julie discover that he’s missing his face - and with no eyes, ears or nose, it’s a challenge to give this little bear his smile back. And it’s a family affair as horologist Steve Fletcher recruits fellow expert and sister Suzie to work on a neglected and battered old Victorian firefighter’s helmet. |
Episode 26
First shown 6th May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 6th May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Metalworker Dominic Chinea welcomes 93-year-old Dora Paul to the workshop, along with the unusual item she’s brought in for repair: an old tram seat that once ferried passengers on the number 81 tram in Salford, Greater Manchester. As a young girl, Dora was obsessed with the trams, spending all her pocket money on riding the network. In 1947, when Salford shut down its tram system, Dora’s parents were able to get hold of the old tram seat, and it has played a central part in her life ever since. But now, rotting and unsafe, the dilapidated bench is in dire need of Dom’s expert attention.
Mechanics whizz Steve Fletcher and upholsterer Sonnaz Nooranvary team up for the repair of a vintage 1920s racing game that for decades served as the central focus for many a family gathering. But with the canvas now torn and stretched and the mechanism that drives the horses forward no longer functioning properly, Steve and Sonnaz have a sizeable job on their hands. However, it’s made somewhat easier as the game undergoes lots and lots of thorough testing involving every expert in the workshop! And glass expert Matt Nickels takes on the repair of two stunning stained-glass panels that hold precious memories for their owner, retired teacher Judith, who has lovingly treasured them for over 40 years. |
Episode 27
First shown 7th May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 7th May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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First through the barn doors today is a broken and battered set of bagpipes, currently owned by Des Allan but originally belonging to Des’s grandfather, who served as a piper and a soldier in the Royal Scots. Des knows his grandfather was involved on the frontline during the early years of the First World War, but it has never been clear whether the pipes went with him into the trenches. Bagpipe restorer Blue MacMurchie is on hand, along with his son John, to breathe new life back into the precious pipes, and Blue has some important news for Des about the history of the bagpipes that sheds a whole new light on their patriotic past.
Silversmith Brenton West is on hand to welcome another precious item into the barn: a silver Eisteddfod crown, brought into the Repair Shop by Ross Hendry. The crown was awarded to Ross’s grandmother when she was just 15, for wowing the judges at Wales’s most important cultural festival with her poetry recitation skills. The crown has been dearly treasured ever since, but in its current state it bears little resemblance to its former splendid self – tarnished and bent out of shape, it is quite unwearable. Brenton sets to work to get it looking royally splendid again, with a little help from Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch. And clockwork genius Steve Fletcher takes on the repair of a quirky tortoise-shaped bell that sat for years on the counter of a family-run butcher's shop. Sadly, the bell hasn’t rung in decades, and it falls to Steve to work out why. He’s as surprised as anyone when his first job turns out to be fashioning the tortoise a brand new tail – a first even for a man of Steve’s experience! |
Episode 28
First shown 8th May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 8th May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Metalworker Dominic Chinea goes back to his roots when he takes on the restoration of a toy pedal car belonging to James Miller from Edinburgh. Once a bright and shiny red, trimmed with glittering chrome, the pedal car is now battered and rusty, and is missing its steering wheel. Drawing on his years of experience as an apprentice classic car restorer, Dom sets to work de-rusting, repainting and rechroming, determined to get the car back on the road for a brand new generation of Millers to enjoy.
Furniture restorer Will Kirk is charged with the task of resurrecting a wobbly old baize-covered card table dating from the 1940s. For owner Steve Cooney, the table is steeped in memories of his beloved grandfather, who, as well as using it for playing cards, would sit and do the football pools on it with a young Steve on his lap. It has huge emotional significance for Steve, so after stabilising and recovering the table, Will and upholsterer Sonnaz Nooranvary come up with a clever and unexpected plan to retain some of its key characteristics for posterity. And silversmith Brenton West takes on the rescue of a precious bronze statue by renowned French artist Claire Colinet, depicting the biblical figure Salome as a dancing dagger-wielding assassin. After falling victim to flooding ten years ago, Salome has come apart from her stand, is badly tarnished, and has lost all but one of her lethal blades. Brenton has his work cut out fixing the damage and fashioning brand new daggers, with the aim of getting Salome back to her deadly dancing self. |
Episode 29
First shown 9th May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 9th May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Craftsman David Burville takes on the repair of a little clockwork tractor that holds significant memories for owner Nicola Clemo. The item belonged to Nicola’s father, a travelling agricultural salesman who used it as a working demonstration model to sell tractors to farmers in Africa in the 1950s. The tractor is dearly treasured, but it hasn’t ploughed a furrow in years – the mechanics are bent out of shape, the seat has broken off and the shiny red paintwork has faded to rust. Can David resurrect this precious relic and get it working again, for the delight of Nicola and her brother Bill?
Sandy Richards from Cornwall arrives at the Repair Shop, bearing a precious but delicate memento of her beloved parents for the attention of ceramics conservator Kirsten Ramsay. The item – a plate bearing a photograph of Sandy’s mother, gifted to her by her husband – is in a terrible state of repair, having been broken and clumsily re-assembled with gaping cracks right across Sandy’s mother’s face. Kirsten has never tackled anything quite like it before, and the job proves just as challenging as she had anticipated. She has to draw on all her skills and ingenuity to get it back to its very best. And compass repair expert Barry Phillips takes on the repair of an old military compass that saw service in both World Wars. Passed down to current owner Stephen Munn via two generations of soldiers, it is the oldest such instrument Barry has ever worked on. But before repair work can even begin, Barry needs to tackle the dangerous radiation that such old compasses emit. |
Episode 30
First shown 10th May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
First shown 10th May 2019 on BBC Two 4:30pm Duration 44 mins.
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Bookbinder Christopher Shaw is on hand to help out Jenny Lane, who arrives at the barn with a story of adventure and romance to tell. Jenny’s grandfather was part of Captain Scott’s ill-fated expedition to the South Pole, and when he set out on the epic voyage, his then sweetheart (soon to be his wife) kept two extraordinary picture albums, full of press-cuttings charting the progress of the expedition. As well as being a piece of history, the albums are a priceless personal memoir of a much-missed ancestor – but they are in poor shape, battered and falling apart at the seams. It will take all of Christopher’s skills to render them safe and sturdy for future generations.
Dominic Chinea undertakes the challenging repair of a Carom board that has kept three generations of one family entertained since it was first purchased back in 1960. This traditional Asian game formed the centre-piece of many a family gathering, but the years have rendered it unplayable, with crumbling wood, faded paintwork and a playing surface that lost its glass-like sheen many years ago. Dom teams up with clock-face restorer Cindy Welland in the hope that between them they can get the board back up and running. And mechanical maestro Steve Fletcher has his hands full with Mathilda, a small wooden duck brought into the barn by Heather Farmer. Heather’s dad was a magician and Mathilda’s card trick was his party piece, but the trick no longer works and sadly the magic duck is magic no more. Steve joins forces with toy repair experts Amanda and Julie in an attempt to put things right. |