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Jay Blades and the team revive a theatre chair from Derby Hippodrome, restore a unique and whimsical timepiece, and resurrect a cherished bronze locket.

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.

Available now

44 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jay Blades
Narrator Robert Pugh
Series Editor Sandy Watson
Executive Producer Rob Butterfield
Executive Producer Emma Walsh

Broadcasts

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