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Episode 35

Episode 35 of 40

Jay Blades and the team restore a shattered jewellery box, a toy flying saucer and a miniature library of Shakespeare’s works.

Jay Blades and the team revive three cherished family heirlooms, triggering precious memories of the past.

Amanda Fisher is the first to arrive, with a shattered jewellery box that she is praying Will Kirk can somehow salvage. The 1960s red velvet-lined box was her mother’s and was gifted to Amanda on her sixteenth birthday. She was very close to her mum and has coveted the box ever since, especially as it used to play a tune each time you opened the lid. However, about a decade ago, Amanda was burgled, and the thieves discarded the empty box in the road outside. She found it in pieces, with the internal mirror in smithereens. Amanda was so distressed she packed away the flattened box, unable to cope until now. Will and Steve Kember tackle the project together, carefully rebuilding and repairing this treasure.

Vintage toy expert David Burville can hardly contain his excitement when Steve Hann arrives with a treasure from his childhood, a toy flying saucer! Gifted to Steve when he was a lad by his grandparents after their holiday in Canada, it was an impressive toy to own, and Steve loved it. It whizzed around the floor, spinning and flashing. Inside the glass dome cockpit is a little spaceman who appears to steer it. However, the toy has been out of service for decades. The batteries leaked at some point, with the acid corroding much of the metal in the unit, and the paintwork has faded. Steve would love to share the joy it brought him with his grandchildren, and David cannot wait to begin preparations for the relaunch!

Last but not least, Isla Smith has brought in a remarkable item - a miniature library of Shakespeare’s works. The tiny leather-bound volumes, housed in a matching red box, were her grandmother’s favourite possession. She won it in a needlework competition in 1897 and left it to a very appreciative Isla. Although the books themselves have stood the test of time, the leather-bound box is ripped and faded. The hinges are missing, and the clasp is broken, but leather expert Suzie Fletcher is on hand to save the day.

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43 minutes

Audio described

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jay Blades
Narrator Bill Paterson
Expert Suzie Fletcher
Expert Will Kirk
Expert David Burville
Expert Stephen Kember
Director Rich Merritt
Series Producer Rebecca McLaughlin
Series Producer Tanveer Bari
Executive Producer Alex Raw
Production Company Ricochet Ltd

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