The Repair Shop S2023E41 - Episode 41

Today, the team fix a deeply significant garden ornament for a recently bereaved grandfather and an unusual pair of wooden sandals from Punjab dating back to the 1800s.

First into the barn is Claude, joined by daughter Kesi, with a powerful reminder of his political past for the attention of paper conservator Angelina Bakalarou. Claude unravels a tattered and torn velvet poster of a black panther, which he bought from a street vendor back in 1987. At the time, the image symbolised strength and resilience for Claude and echoed his growing consciousness of his own identity as a young man. Having recently been through hard times, Claude is now keen to get the black panther poster back to full health in order to give him strength.

Next, bringing in an item of huge significance, is Quentin, joined by stepson Tim. They are hoping metal marvel Brenton West can work his magic on a garden ornament shaped like a bee that was gifted to Quentin by his grandson Miles when he was a young boy. Tragically, Miles was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer and passed away just a few months ago, leaving his family bereft. Quentin now wants to raise awareness of the illness and to get the bee back to its original best in tribute to his grandson. It's an important fix for Brenton, who busies himself reviving this most precious of mementos.

Joining the line-up of expertise at the barn is new camera expert Pierro Pozella. His first assignment is a camera that belonged to visitor Harry's grandfather, a graphic designer at ATV in Elstree Studios in the 1970s and 80s. The twin lens camera was used on set as well as at home for taking pictures of his family. Sadly, the camera has now fallen into a sorry state, but Harry is keen to use it again to continue the legacy of his creative grandpa George.

Cobbler Dean Westmoreland may be sure-footed on most repairs, but he needs to tread carefully when it comes to Nasrullah's historic wooden sandals. They originally belonged to his great-great great-grandfather, who was a farmer in the Punjab and wore them in the 1800s. For Nasrullah, the shoes are an important part of his heritage, and he would dearly love to be able to use them. Dean needs to undergo some research to make sure his restoration is in keeping with such a historic shoe.