The Repair Shop

S08:E03 - Pearl Purse, Spanish Guitar, Taxi Meter

The experts revive three beloved items, lovingly bringing them back from the brink.The barn's first visitors are Barbara and her daughter Zeffy who've brought a delicate, fragile coin purse that was gifted to Barbara by her granny when she was a little girl. The outer case is made from engraved mother of pearl and the inner section from red silk and leather. As children, Barbara's three young daughters were just as enamoured with it as she was, especially Zeffy. Barbara's dream is for Zeffy to carry the restored purse down the aisle, as her 'something borrowed', at her upcoming wedding but it's currently far too frail. The family have had a difficult time recently, as Zeffy has undergone cancer treatment, another reason why having the precious purse restored is so significant. The women are banking on Suzie being able to refurbish and preserve this pretty item that has been treasured by four generations of women in their family.Meanwhile, luthier Julyan Wallis takes on a damaged flamenco guitar that represents the proud owner's Spanish heritage. Josefina has spent much of her life making music and as a young woman performed in a flamenco group travelling the world. Her father Jose bought the guitar decades ago, with great intentions of learning to play his favourite flamenco music. He escaped the Spanish Civil War in the 1950s and set up a new life in UK and was delighted when Josefina showed interest in his nation's music, encouraging her to learn to play. Jose sadly passed away several years ago and Josefina recently discovered his old flamenco guitar. She'd love to play it again but with no strings, a crack down the front and a broken bridge she really needs Julyan's help to revive it.Lastly, mother and son Jean and Ian swing by the barn with a seized up, scuffed taxi meter for the attention of Steve Fletcher. The meter was indispensable for Ian's dad and Jean's husband Cyril, who was a London cabbie for years. He drove a distinctive FX3 cab, famous in the 1950s for its missing front door on the passenger side and, when he retired, a young Ian and his friends would play taxi drivers with the old meter. Ian and his mother would now love to display the vintage device, complete with bell and 'for hire' flag.