The Repair Shop

S05:E27 - Beliard Clock, Radiogram, Botanical Microscope

Beliard Clock, Radiogram, Botanical MicroscopeToday in the Repair Shop, Jay Blades and the team bring three treasured family heirlooms, and the memories they hold, back to life.Clock connoisseur, Steve Fletcher, comes face to face with a thrilling assignment when Andy Cronk brings in a French 18th Century clock, created by renowned maker Julian Beliard. They are not ten a penny and Steve relishes its restoration. This prized piece belonged to Andy's grandfather, who obtained it by chance after WW2. Andy grew up with the clock as it was passed down the generations but it has not worked properly in his lifetime. The minute hand is missing, the dial is chipped and many of the clockwork mechanisms repairs have been cobbled together. Determined to get it ticking again, Steve overhauls every one of the hundred or so workings. He enlists Kirsten to work on the damaged dial, while he crafts new hands which are engraved by specialist James Neville. All their talents combined bring the item back to life….ticking and chiming beautifully…. Beliard himself would have surely approved.Electronics wizard Mark Stuckey takes receipt of a vintage radiogram. The 1960s broken music unit provided the soundtrack to owner Anne Marie's childhood but it has been silent for decades. Her parents recently passed away and Anne Marie could not see this lovely relic thrown out, so puts all her faith in Mark and his crew. Will tackles the wooden cabinet which houses the radiogram and Jay lends a hand too. Several of the elements are too far gone to salvage but Jay scours for replacements from similar donor units, which Mark refits….soon the amp, speakers and record player are making sweet music again and Anne Marie is overjoyed.And sisters Julie Welsh and Helen Brandford from Yorkshire, bring a scientific marvel, that kept them entertained for hours as children, for Silversmith Brenton West's attention. The 18th Century botanist's microscope belonged to their dear grandparents and holds wonderful memories of summers spent exploring their garden with all of its flora and fauna. This intricate, delicate piece is missing all of its original tiny tools and the wooden case that holds the microscopic viewer is broken. While Brenton replicates the miniature forceps, tweezers and needle, Will tends to the box and lid. Thus ensuring the item can be used and enjoyed by the sisters' own grandchildren.