If you haven’t watched this BBC programme let me recommend
it. Especially if you want to see damaged items repaired. Not just any old
items but well used ones being lovingly mended by experts. Maybe beloved family
reminders, others may have been dropped and a few are antiques.
Running the shop – as it were – is furniture restoration
expert Jay Blades. Watch carpenter Will Kirk, especially as he carves a new
piece of wood to match the antique he is repairing. (My carpenter Grandfather
would have loved to watch him). Then there are brother and sister Steve and
Suzie Fletcher. He is an expert on clocks and watches and she works wonders
with leather. Also in some of the programmes are Kirsten Ramsay who deals with
ceramics (ever seen the number of pieces a dropped plate can create?) Dominic is
the blacksmith and I mustn’t forget the doll ladies who clean up, re-make or
whatever it takes to bring over-loved dolls and teddy bears back to life.
These wonderful experts – and others – are at The Repair
Shop at the Weald and Downland Living Museum in Singleton, West Sussex. I
should emphasise that they aren’t there 24/7 but plying their trades for this really
interesting television show.
For more information you can contact
BBC.co.uk/shows and tours/takepart/the_repair_shop
