The Repair Shop

S08:E57 - French Portrait, Charm Bracelet, 30 Day Clock

First in the frame is art conservator Lucia Scalisi who is tasked with a conservation of historical importance. Owner Jean-Robert and his daughter Natasha are from the same family as French artist Helene de Beauvoir and her older sister, the famous philosopher Simone de Beauvoir. They've brought a painting that Helene created of her nephew Alain, Jean-Robert's dad. It's the only picture he has of his father as a boy and therefore holds great significance for him. It's a labour of love for Lucia to follow Helene's brushstrokes to recreate the artwork.The next visitor is Kirsty with some precious metal for jeweller Richard Talman. Kirsty has brought along a silver charm bracelet that's sadly lost most of its charm. The bracelet was gifted to her mum Linda by her dad in the early 1960s and Kirsty has fun memories of playing dress up with her mum's heels, make-up, and the jangly bracelet. Having lost her mum recently, Kirsty is now keen for this sentimental piece to be restored to its glittering best so that her own daughter can remember her 'Nana'.And finally, it's horologist Steve Fletchers time to shine when Jasvinder comes to call with the clock that was her father, Darshan's, pride and joy. He bought the distinctive wall clock in the 1960s. These timepieces are known as 30 day clocks as they only need winding once a month, a task that Darshan took very seriously. Jasvinder and her brother clearly remember its resonating chime. It's a sound she dreams of hearing again, knowing it will remind her of her father whom she lost too soon, when she was just eight years old. Steve tackles the enormous main springs which are gummed up with oil and does his best to make Jasvinder's dream come true.