Ep 12. Barber's Chair

Nestled in the idyllic British countryside is The Repair Shop, a magical little workshop where antique and sentimental items are brought back to life. Season 4 episode 12, titled "Barber's Chair," takes viewers on another heartwarming journey as the skilled craftsmen and women of The Repair Shop tackle four unique restoration projects.

First up is an Edwardian-era barber's chair, owned by a man named Steve. Steve's grandfather was a barber, and the chair holds a special place in his heart as it once belonged to his grandfather. However, after years of neglect, the chair is in dire need of some TLC. Enter upholsterer Sonnaz, who is tasked with restoring the chair's burgundy leather upholstery to its former glory. With expert stitching and attention to detail, Sonnaz transforms the worn-out leather into a soft, supple seat that perfectly complements the chair's ornate cast iron base.

Next on the agenda is a heirloom diamond and emerald ring, brought in by owner Carmen. The ring has been passed down through her family for generations and holds deep sentimental value. But time and wear have taken their toll, and the ring's delicate settings are in danger of disintegrating. Jeweler Dominic takes on the challenge, using his impressive skill set to repair and reinforce the ring's settings. With each tiny prong and stone in place, the ring sparkles like new, ready to be treasured by Carmen for generations to come.

The third restoration project is a beautiful Waterbury clock, brought in by owner and collector John. While John is knowledgeable about clocks, he's in over his head with this one, which has been neglected for decades. Clockmaker Steve takes on the challenge, carefully disassembling the clock and examining each intricate component. With patience, skill, and a touch of humor, Steve repairs the clock's mechanism and lovingly polishes its intricate details. When John returns to pick up his beloved timepiece, he's thrilled to see it ticking away perfectly, ready to keep time for another hundred years.

Last but not least is a fascinating propelling pencil, owned by retired teacher Margaret. The pencil has an incredible story - it was originally owned by her great-grandfather, who used it to dig his way out of a prisoner-of-war camp in World War I. Margaret wants to restore the pencil as a tribute to her beloved ancestor, but it's no easy task. The pencil's delicate mechanism is incredibly intricate, and many of its internal parts are missing. But metal worker Dominic isn't deterred and takes on the challenge with gusto. Through a combination of newly crafted parts and expert restoration techniques, Dominic brings the pencil back to life, allowing Margaret to once again marvel at its incredible history.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to the soothing sounds of master craftspeople at work - the gentle click of a clock mechanism being repaired, the soft tapping of a jeweler's hammer, the precise stitching of an upholsterer. It's easy to get lost in the magic of The Repair Shop, as each restoration project reminds us of the power of cherished objects and family history. "Barber's Chair" is another heartwarming addition to The Repair Shop's catalog - a window into a world where skilled workmanship and sentimental value reign supreme.