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Episode 21

Jay Blades and the team restore a ventriloquist鈥檚 dummy, a 1920s typewriter and a precious athletics trophy that is the last remaining memento of a much-loved father.

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

No fewer than four experts pool their talents to tackle the repair of a battered old ventriloquist鈥檚 dummy that goes by the name of George. George and owner Alan were once a formidable stage double act, but time has taken its toll on Alan鈥檚 cheeky sidekick, leaving him with wonky eyes, a severely chipped face and virtually no hair. Will the combined efforts of mechanical maestro Steve, ceramics conservator Kirsten and toy repair duo Amanda and Julie be enough to get George stage-worthy again, ready for Alan to entertain his grandchildren at an upcoming birthday party?

Silversmith Brenton West takes on the repair of a silver athletics trophy that survived a direct hit during the Blitz. Brought into the barn by Valerie Bowker, the trophy was once the proud possession of her father, who was a successful amateur athlete in his youth. Sadly, this trophy is the only remaining memento Valerie has of her dad, as everything else was destroyed in the bomb blast. It is dented, tarnished and bent to one side, so Brenton has his hands full restoring the trophy back to a fitting state.

And husband and wife team Walid and JouJou Sahd are on hand to repair a vintage portable typewriter, an iconic Corona 3 dating from the 1920s. The typewriter hasn鈥檛 worked for many years, but Walid and JouJou are confident they can bring it back to life using all the tricks of their trade.

28 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jay Blades
Narrator Robert Pugh

Broadcast

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