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Episode 21

Episode 21 of 40

Jay Blades and the team restore a Chesterfield armchair, a brass keepsake box and a silver bracelet.

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

First through the barn doors today is Gloria Bartlett. She has brought her pride and joy, a Chesterfield armchair, in the hope that upholstery superstar Sonnaz Norranvary can return it to mint condition. She borrowed the money to pay for two chairs and a sofa in the 1980s, and at the time felt very extravagant. The three-piece design classic has brought Gloria and her extended family years of comfort and joy, but sadly the armchair is now looking very down at heel. The leather is dry, faded and cracked. There are several holes exposing the upholstery sponge beneath, much of the distinctive button detailing is detached, and many of the brass tacks are missing. Sonnaz has a major renovation on her hands to get this iconic piece back to its former glory.

Next, silversmith Brenton West welcomes Joanne Piper-Bourn with her one-of-a-kind brass keepsake box. The ornate item was made by Joanne鈥檚 grandfather for her grandmother and has been passed down the family, each recipient treasuring it. However, it is now looking a little worse for wear. The wooden structure is riddled with woodworm holes, the decorative brass panels are tarnished, and several details are missing. The painted sections are chipped, and the trim is detaching. Fortunately, Joanne has bestowed it to the capable hands of Brenton, who is only too happy to get to work on it.

And a precious piece of silver jewellery is delivered by Paul Cass and his son Pete to jeweller Richard Talman. The engraved chain-link bracelet was an engagement gift for Paul from his beloved late wife Cherry and represents their love. The bracelet was lost and damaged so much that it can no longer be worn. Richard carefully repairs each flaw and preserves the words of love engraved on the piece.

Available now

44 minutes

Audio described

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jay Blades
Narrator Bill Paterson
Expert Dominic Chinea
Expert Suzie Fletcher
Expert Will Kirk
Expert Kirsten Ramsay
Expert Brenton West
Executive Producer Hannah Lamb
Series Producer Tanveer Bari
Series Producer Paula Fasht
Production Company Ricochet Ltd

Broadcasts

  • Mon 1 Nov 2021 16:30
  • Mon 23 Oct 2023 16:30

Take Part

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