The Repair Shop

[Wingedharpy]

Anyone else watching this lovely programme on BBC2, 6.45pm each weekday evening?

I am in awe of the skills the professional restorers have.

They can work such magic on folks' treasures.

Jay Blades is a local hero here in Wolves.

I was fascinated by the musical box.

Straightening all the brass prongs, cleaning the parts, getting it playing again and still left looking like a bomb had landed on it. Amazing conservation, not restoration.

I've not noticed any 'fawning over' any of the specialists they bring in tbh

Several times people have bought in ceramics to be repaired and Steve is there to welcome them, and then calls over Kirsten. At the handover, the same, Steve is the "main man", with Kirsten presented as the person who has done all the work. Why does it need a man to be in charge?

For me, Jay Blades is the complete waste of space on this programme. And, since watching Celebrity Masterchef last night, he can't cook either

Love it! I have it on series record.

The actor doing the commentary is wonderful too.

Jay never repairs anything though. Why?

This sounds lile a great programme - when is it on please? Google is not helping!

catquest, mon-friday,bbc2, 6.45pm.
You're welcome

For me, Jay Blades is the complete waste of space on this programme.

He does just seem to be the presenter to camera, doesn't he?

I never knew that leather lady was Steve's sister.
They probably had creative parents and no telly!

Looking at Steve and I think it's Suzie, the leather lady?, you can see the family resemblance - once you know it's there

I loved the soft toy lady's pink hair with her sparkly thingy in it. Wish I could get away with that.

I've been thinking (always dangerous, that) as to why it's usually Steve who goes to welcome people in, etc. Might it be something really simple like helping them to carry stuff in? I reckon so.

I think it's a great programme, as others have said it is very gentle television. Does anyone else physically move back when they show the shots of Will and Jay blowing away wood dust in the opening sequence?

Or,
since it's a tv programme and bits are obviously rehearsed (ie. the meet and greet bit, show us what you've brought etc), could it simply be that others, like Kirsten, aren't available/too busy for a rehearsal of that bit and Steve has more time on his hands so he does the intro bit as he's rehearsed it?
Or,
like me, Kirsten is rubbish at names and remembering stuff so after take number 15 where she's messed it up again, some frustrated tv production person shouts "where's Steve?!"
It's never struck me as a problem tbh.

It's never struck me as a problem either tbh.

Things are certainly brought in by prior arrangement, also because they need a relevant specialist there to do the restoration/repair. I remember there was a man from Holland who arrived with something and certainly for the v.large/heavy stuff Steve,Jay, and sometimes Will (swoon) are all to hand to help.
elephantoverthehill, yes I move back, blink, too.

I've noticed that this is Series 3. Gutted that the two previous series have just passed me by

Thanks aviator :)

Such a fascinating programme. I'm glad that these skills still exist, and some of the crafts people are young. It's the antithesis of the consumer/disposable society.

I love this programme! I could watch Kirsten gently restore ceramics for hours. I'm having to catch up on quite a few shows but loved the one where the old record player restorer plunged the workshop into darkness, mouse made my eyes water and the violin that had saved a lady's grandma from death in the concentration camps made me properly cry. The best thing about this programme is the restorers, all so talented and true ladies & gents. It deserves more recognition than it has that's for sure.

Oh yes! the record player plunging the place into darkness! Classic Comedy Gold[grin

Oh yes! the record player plunging the place into darkness! Odd that they just so happened to be filming then?

Does anyone know about the economics of this? Surely all that expertise plus the number of hours they spend on some of these projects makes it incredibly expensive. I assume the Beeb pays for what is shown on the programme, but how does it work for private commissions? In some cases I can't help thinking that the cost of the repairs must heavily outweigh the value of the items concerned, even once restored.

I think that's the whole point though, Gersemi.
The financial cost of the restorations would make them not commercially viable but they are carried out because to the individual or their family, their pieces are priceless.
It would seem that all the experts who are shown on the programme, have their own independent businesses and, presumably, would provide quotes for any private commissions.
They are presumably paid a fee for appearing in the programme but whether they get paid for the restoration work they undertake - who knows?
In a way, it could be seen as an advertisement of their skills and it possibly generates more private work for them all.

I love this show and just watched the Christmas special, it is amazing! They had a music box thing (had a special name I can’t remember) and a doll that both brought tears to my eyes.

Polyphon, that's what the music thingy was.....tears in everyone's eyes,including mine!, when they got it playing...strange thing,the mind...I could remember 'Polyphon' a word I'd never heard before,but can't remember the Christmas tune on the disc

And Will's absolute bemusement at his Secret Santa gift!

And yes, the lady's dollie....ahhh

Lovely,lovely,lovely programme

I saw this yesterday, have not ever seen it before. A lovely programme... I cried too!