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Episode 23

Jay Blades and the team restore a hand-carved model Spitfire, a much-loved leather pouffe and a battered silver purse that holds treasured mementoes of a beloved mother.

Jay Blades and the team bring three treasured family heirlooms, and the memories they hold, back to life.

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 model 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 it is now chipped, has a broken wing and is missing part of its propeller. Will has a delicate and important job on his hands.

Master saddlemaker Suzie Fletcher undertakes her biggest Repair Shop task yet as she attends to a worn out and badly torn leather pouffe that holds 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, strengthening each panelled section and then resewing over 300 individual seams!

And silversmith Brenton West takes on the repair of a battered silver purse that has 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.

28 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jay Blades
Narrator Robert Pugh

Broadcast

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If you have a treasured possession that needs restoring, please get in touch.