The Repair Shop: Crafts in the Barn: Skills, stories and heartwarming restorations

by Jayne Dowle, Elizabeth Wilhide

The second specially photographed book from the BBC's Top Ratings Hit The Repair Shop, in which the experts explain the importance of heirloom restoration crafts.

The Repair Shop - with regular viewing figures of 7 million in the UK alone - has cemented itself as a BBC classic series in the vein of Antiques Roadshow.

This new book focuses on the crafts which the experts specialize in, from woodwork and ceramics to leather restoration and metalwork. Learn about heirloom crafts and the importance of restoration in an increasingly fast-paced, throwaway culture. Featuring brand new stories and never-seen-before objects, learn about the skills and techniques at the center of the workshop of dreams and hear about the many lives these experts touch.

The second Repair Shop book to feature special photography in the barn itself, after the best-selling The Repair Life in the Barn.

Genres: Crafts

192 pages, Hardcover

Published October 12, 2023

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book about The Repair Shop, a BBC TV series about repairing and restoring precious items. This one gives you a profile of some of the most regular experts, and examines some of their favourite recent repairs in more detail than in previous books. This makes it much better and more interesting. There are even some tips if you want to try a repair yourself, as well as some warnings about when it would be best to call in the experts! A warm-hearted book, you can feel the expertise and respect of all the people involved.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really is a heartwarming read, a beautifully photographed wander through the amazing skillsets of the various craftspeople. The book is divided into sections, each dedicated to one of a selection of the regular craftspeople. Each section discusses the approaches taken to conserve or restore with examples brought in by the public. The backstories can tug at the heartstrings, but each ends with such appreciation for the transformation brought about in the barn. Overall, it is a pleasant, gentle read showcasing what can be achieved to restore precious memories to people.

[Mike Kanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Repair Shop is one of my favorite television shows. As a woodworker whose wife is a fabric artist, I am always amazed at the talent and skill of the people "in the barn."

In this volume, many of the personalities talk about what drew them to the crafts and what excites them. Regular viewers (such as myself) also get the background of some pieces we might have seen on the series.

[Barbara Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the show, and love the people, so of course very much enjoyed the book. Was just craving more information about the people and their crafts... most of the processes and heirloom stories we know already from watching.

[Steve Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

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