0:00:03 > 0:00:04I LOVE these. What are these?
0:00:06 > 0:00:09How do you make money for nothing?
0:00:09 > 0:00:11- That's going.- No!
0:00:11 > 0:00:16The answer could be hiding in over 20 million tonnes of household waste
0:00:16 > 0:00:18thrown out by us every year.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21So, I'll just do a quick check for Granny's gold.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24That's why reclamation expert Jay Blades
0:00:24 > 0:00:27wants to get his hands on things before they hit the skip.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33I've been a builder. I've been a philosophy student and now I'm
0:00:33 > 0:00:37a furniture restorer. So I know more than most about transformations.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39I revamp the old and turn it into the new,
0:00:39 > 0:00:41and sell it on for a profit.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45And with some of the country's elite designers and makers...
0:00:45 > 0:00:47Why would you chuck these chairs out?
0:00:50 > 0:00:54..he can transform his finds into desirable...
0:00:54 > 0:00:56I've got to take my hat off to you, sir.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58- ..valuable...- You've done well, sir.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02..and hopefully saleable items.
0:01:02 > 0:01:03Now, that is supercool.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08If Jay is successful, then he can hand the profits back
0:01:08 > 0:01:10to the very people who had no idea
0:01:10 > 0:01:13there was cash to be made from their trash.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- No!- £80.- What?!- Yes!
0:01:25 > 0:01:27Welcome to Walsall...
0:01:29 > 0:01:31..where cars are queueing up.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35Trash is being tossed and Jay is a man on a mission.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43Each of his skip-savaging senses are ever-alert to seek out
0:01:43 > 0:01:48- tip treasure.- If there's profit to be had, I'm the man to sniff it out.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50- HE SNIFFS - What's that?
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Jay has been given special permission to roam
0:01:55 > 0:01:59the recycling centre on his quest to save three items
0:01:59 > 0:02:03that he can rejuvenate or repurpose and
0:02:03 > 0:02:06then sell on for a tidy sum. And do you know what?
0:02:07 > 0:02:09He's loving it.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13Oh, look at that! Now that's cool, isn't it?! That's really cool.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- Do you want a bucket? - Oh, thank you, sir.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18Look at that. They're lining up now.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21Oh!
0:02:21 > 0:02:23- That's the one.- Hold on,
0:02:23 > 0:02:27has someone told Jay he's meant to be SAVING items from the skip,
0:02:27 > 0:02:29not chucking them in?
0:02:29 > 0:02:33Terry's helping his partner's son, Scott, clear out his flat.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38What? Hold on a minute, lads. Hold on.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40- Hold on. How we doing? I'm Jay.- All right. I'm Terry.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42- All right, Terry?- I'm Scott.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44Is it all right just to have a look at this?
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Put it down. I think this is a little gem.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- Help yourself.- Right. - Little gem?!
0:02:50 > 0:02:55I suppose if you look past the well-worn, scruffy exterior...
0:02:55 > 0:02:57No! Who am I trying to kid?
0:02:58 > 0:03:01Tell me, what's the history behind this one?
0:03:01 > 0:03:03Well, it's actually yours, Scott, ain't it?
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- When did you buy it?- I've had it years.- How many years?- Somebody
0:03:06 > 0:03:10gave it to me. This one itself has been in a bedroom and not been used.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- OK.- So that's why it's being put out today.- You say "this one".
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- So is there another one?- Yes.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17- Just like this?- Just like this, but not a recliner.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Hold on, are you saying this reclines as well?
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- It does.- Wow! Do you know if it's a make or anything like that?
0:03:23 > 0:03:24I think it's a G Plan.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28You think it's a G Plan. Well, if it is a G Plan and I haven't seen
0:03:28 > 0:03:31anything like this, it will be quite nice and special.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36Hmm. Perhaps I was a little hasty.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40G Plan are a British furniture manufacturer who came to prominence
0:03:40 > 0:03:45in the 1950s. Vintage items can be highly sought-after.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49This could be a little gem, after all.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52It doesn't look very stylish now, but I believe with the right person
0:03:52 > 0:03:56working on it, this could look really, really stylish. So, if it's all right you with guys,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59what I'd like to do is take this and just show you guys what we transformed it into.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04- It would be lovely, that.- Is that all right?- Yes. It would be nice. - All right. Diamond.- Thank you.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10Are Scott and Terry happy to see Jay make off with the armchair?
0:04:10 > 0:04:13I think it's lovely to see the old furniture be remodelled.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16I reckon Jay could clean it up, paint it,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19perhaps a nice few pillows on it, and I think somebody will buy it.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23I'm not so sure it will be as easy as that, Terry.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28But what is Jay doing rummaging around down there?
0:04:28 > 0:04:33Core, blimey! This is a great find. A G Plan recliner.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37Wow! I've never, ever seen one in all the years I've been doing upholstery.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42Let's meet the maker he's chosen to get creative with this little gem.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Say hello to Anthony Devine.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52He has two decades of design experience and passes on his
0:04:52 > 0:04:56knowledge to the younger generation at his school of upholstery.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03His work is loud, proud, fresh... and, at times, furry.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09If I was to say I had a style, it probably would be erratic.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13Er, there's loads of ideas washing around in my head, and whichever
0:05:13 > 0:05:16pops out first is the one normally that gets done.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Easiest thing is like a customer walking in,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24gives you a bit of a design brief, gives you lots of freedom to be able
0:05:24 > 0:05:27to kind of complete it and see it through. But the customer is
0:05:27 > 0:05:29the one that counts more importantly than anything.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34Just keep that in mind, Anthony, when Jay starts getting a bit fussy.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Come on now, up and at them!
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Jay's got his first item tucked away,
0:05:47 > 0:05:50but there are still two more to find.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53He needs to stay vigilant if he wants to save another goody
0:05:53 > 0:05:55from the claws of the crusher.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Mike is having a clear-out of his garage
0:06:04 > 0:06:07and he's broken up his old oak writing bureau, ready for the skip.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- How we doing? You all right? - All right, thank you.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- My name's Jay.- My name's Mike. - Why are you throwing that away?
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Because it takes up a lot of space.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20The only place I've got for it is in the garage.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- Yeah.- I've got a 30-foot garage. I've had two trips out today
0:06:23 > 0:06:27and I've probably got another two more to come! I still haven't emptied it!
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Oh, wow! Any more gems like this in the garage?
0:06:30 > 0:06:32Unfortunately, not.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36It was a good-quality item and it could be restored.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39But unfortunately I've neither got the time nor the skills to do it.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- This is gorgeous.- Yeah.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Well, if it's all right with you, I'd like to take it.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47I'd be delighted for somebody to have it and make use of it.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48It was good quality.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52Yeah. And you keep saying "was". It still is, Mike.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- It's still going strong, isn't it? Look!- Yes.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01This big, old bureau has been in Mike's garage
0:07:01 > 0:07:05for the past few years. But before that, it was well-used.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11I was loath to get rid of it. Several years, when we had it first,
0:07:11 > 0:07:15my wife used it as a writing desk and I used it occasionally as well.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17Yes, it's been very useful.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Not many people do writing any more.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23So there isn't much call for writing bureaus,
0:07:23 > 0:07:26but this can be transformed into something beautiful
0:07:26 > 0:07:28cos I've got just the person to take this to.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32Let's meet the man Jay's chosen to give this bureau a modern makeover.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Meet master craftsman Norman Wilkinson.
0:07:40 > 0:07:45His attention to detail and skill, honed over years of experience,
0:07:45 > 0:07:47is evident in everything he makes.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50My personality is reflected in what I do.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54I think I try to do everything to the best of my ability.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58Everything we do, I think, looks A1. Everything I make is fantastic.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- Just like me.- He does enjoy a joke.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05I'm not sure WE enjoy them so much, but Norman 's so old school
0:08:05 > 0:08:09that even the old school call him old school.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11If I actually told you how long I'd been doing this,
0:08:11 > 0:08:16it would give away my age. I still think I'm 21.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- In my dreams!- Don't worry, folks,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21his carpentry skills are better than his jokes.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23They'll need to be, with this item.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33He's grabbed goodies for Anthony and Norman,
0:08:33 > 0:08:36but now Jay's on the hunt for his own item.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Will the junk in Peter's trunk appeal to Jay?
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Oh, wow!
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Whoa! Hold on a minute.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- How we doing? I'm Jay.- All right?
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- So what you doing? Getting rid of that, obviously.- Yeah.- And why...?
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- This is beautiful. Why you getting rid of it?- Well, it's old and...
0:08:55 > 0:08:58It's not old, is it? How old is it?
0:08:58 > 0:09:02It was me Nan's, so it's probably older than 60 years old.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06Wow! But it's still going strong. It's not too bad, is it?
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- Look at that. That's solid inside. - We used to spend summer holidays
0:09:09 > 0:09:12with my nan. She used to keep stuff in it.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- There was all... What, sweets? - Little knick-knacks. Oh.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- Knick-knacks in there. - OK. No sweets, though?
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- No cookies.- No sweets. Little games and what have you.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24So you can entertain yourself during a rainy day outside
0:09:24 > 0:09:27or something like that. All right. Cool!
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Jay suspects that Peter's nan's knick-knack box may
0:09:30 > 0:09:34be made by a well-known manufacturer.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36I personally think this is like a Lloyd Loom.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Normally they have a label on the back there.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43But this is, yeah, it's kind of the same style of the Lloyd Loom.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49Lloyd Loom furniture was made in the UK from the 1920s.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Mechanically woven with specially treated paper,
0:09:52 > 0:09:58furniture like this is tough, resistant to damp and built to last.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01What I'd like to do is take this, and if we transform it
0:10:01 > 0:10:04into something, then get back to you and let you know what we've done
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- to it. Is that all right?- Yeah.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09Nice one! Cheers for that. Nice one. Brilliant! Thank you.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13What does Peter think Jay will do with the basket?
0:10:15 > 0:10:18I think he'll turn it into something nice.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22You know, it is a shame to just throw it away, but...
0:10:22 > 0:10:25we had no use for it at the time.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28It could be a Lloyd Loom. It could be somebody else.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31But the beauty is, these are really easy to transform and turn into
0:10:31 > 0:10:35something really beautiful. So I'm happy that we've got one of these.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Let's see if I can turn it into a profit.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40It's been a good day at the dump.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Jay has successfully salvaged three items.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48Anthony will work his makeover magic on the recliner.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53Norman will take up the challenge of the broken-down writing bureau.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56While Jay will make the basket into something saleable.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01I am delighted with what I picked out today.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Now it's time to turn trash into cash.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14Manchester - a creative powerhouse that has produced musicians,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17film-makers, artists and designers
0:11:17 > 0:11:20that pushed the boundaries of popular culture.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Thriving within the city's creative whirlwind
0:11:25 > 0:11:29is upholsterer extraordinaire Anthony.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32His work is at the cutting edge of contemporary furniture design.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38So I'm sure he'll love this old thing...
0:11:38 > 0:11:40I've been told this one's quite funky,
0:11:40 > 0:11:42but on the wrong side of funky,
0:11:42 > 0:11:46so hopefully we can turn it to the RIGHT side of funky and leave
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- with a good item. - From junkified to funkified.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Anthony sounds like a man with a plan.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57He has still to come face-to-face with Jay's little gem, though.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59It's gorgeous, isn't it, I think?
0:11:59 > 0:12:00Lovely(!)
0:12:00 > 0:12:03But weighs a tonne.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Pull your britches up.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10The G Plan brand undoubtedly adds a little vintage va-va-voom.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14But this well-worn armchair is still in desperate need
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- of Anthony's expertise. - I've never seen one of these before,
0:12:18 > 0:12:20and I think it's a no-brainer to save this one.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- It's really, really gorgeous. - It's got real potential.
0:12:24 > 0:12:25Mechanism still works.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29It's basically, it's just what to do with it.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Well, the ideas are endless because it's quite a big space,
0:12:33 > 0:12:35but I would prefer it to be toned down
0:12:35 > 0:12:38because at the time of this being born, this fabric would have been
0:12:38 > 0:12:42the height of sophistication, but now it's too busy.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47I reckon one way to go with it would be just, like, make it a bit more
0:12:47 > 0:12:50sophisticated... that was back in its day...
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- sophisticated for today.- For today. Yeah. I like the sound of that.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57So, what colours are you thinking, then?
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- The obvious one's grey, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02But I do want to add some element of colour,
0:13:02 > 0:13:04cos I do like the buttons we've got on the side.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07They are quite big. If we can have a button,
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- a different colour or something like that.- I knew you were going to say
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- that.- You know I have to.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16The colour-contrasting button - a Jay Blade signature style.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20That will look really, really cool.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22I'm stood behind you shaking my head.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- You do realise that?- That's cool!
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Come on, boys. Let's not fall out over a button.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32So, what kind of budget are we looking at?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35I reckon about £450, £475.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37£450, I like the sound of.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40I know there's a lot of fabric in there.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43So if you need a little bit extra in the budget, I could push it up to the £25.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- Got to pay for your buttons, haven't we?- I could probably sort you out with buttons.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49But we need to digitally put a little "J" on there!
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Whoa! £450.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53If you need more, let me know.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- What a gent!- Thank you, sir. Very kind of ya.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05It would seem Anthony is as smitten as Jay with this retro recliner.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07Do a little drinks holder here.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11And then obviously we're going to make it look pretty as well.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15So I think this is quite good. I really quite like it.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19Jay and Anthony have agreed a budget of £450,
0:14:19 > 0:14:23with the possibility of another 25 quid on top.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27Jay's biggest problem might be getting it back from Anthony.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32SOOTHING CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS
0:14:32 > 0:14:36From the hustle and bustle of Metropolitan Manchester,
0:14:36 > 0:14:39to the quiet countryside of East Sussex.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45Things move at a slightly slower pace in the village of Hellingly.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51Which suits bespoke furniture Norman to a T.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54He's as happy as happy can be,
0:14:54 > 0:14:57working away in his little hidey-hole.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01Seems a shame to disturb him, really.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03The stuff you get from the tip,
0:15:03 > 0:15:07it's quite fun. We've had a few bits and I'm thinking,
0:15:07 > 0:15:09"Really? What are we doing?"
0:15:09 > 0:15:15I'm sure Norman will love this old oak writing bureau, though.
0:15:15 > 0:15:16So what do you think?
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- You like it?- No.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25Oh, well. Norman's not impressed.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27There's only one thing for it.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Time to turn on the charm, Jay.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33If anybody can turn this into something great,
0:15:33 > 0:15:34he's standing right here, isn't he?
0:15:34 > 0:15:36Flattery doesn't get you everywhere!
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Come on, it's got to reflect in the price?
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- Well, we haven't got that far yet. - All right, I'm just warming you up.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Warming me, are you? OK.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47So what plans do you have for this delightful piece?
0:15:49 > 0:15:50OK, that's failed too.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55Norman may be lacking inspiration, but not to worry,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Jay's got plenty of ideas.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01What I was thinking is just a modern desk.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05Where you will have wires coming through the back to plug stuff in.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06And I would like, if possible,
0:16:06 > 0:16:10something that flips up so all of the stuff with a modern desk,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13whether it is the laptop, smartphone, can just be stuffed
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- inside the actual desk.- Hide it? - Hide it, there you go.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Similar to what they used to do here.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23They used to have a flap there that would hide all of that stuff.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28You can't have a desk with drawers like this, so they'll have to go,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31to be replaced by legs.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34What do you want to hold the top with?
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Lovely contemporary tapered legs.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40So basically...fine tapered leg and then we'll get the oak,
0:16:40 > 0:16:44we will strip it and get it as light as we can, we'll bleach it
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- and do it whatever we need to do. We will make the flap.- Cool.- OK.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50What we have to do now is talk about price, then.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- Price?- Because all of that sounds really good.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- How much is that going to cost me? - How much is that going to cost you?
0:16:56 > 0:16:57Yeah.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Now we're getting down to business.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Come on then, Norman, what are you thinking?
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- Er...- 500? 600?
0:17:06 > 0:17:078, 9?
0:17:07 > 0:17:11Come on, Norman, I can't take this much more.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14I could get that in showroom condition ready for sale
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- for 325.- Great price!
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- I think that's a good deal. I'm happy with that.- Are you?
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- Yeah, I'm happy.- As long as you're happy, I'm happy.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26That's good. Let me know when it's done and I'll come and pick it up.
0:17:26 > 0:17:27Thank you.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Wow, I'm really chuffed with that.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34I believe Norman gets my idea just a little bit,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37but hopefully he's going to turn it into something REALLY great.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Jay's idea to turn the bureau
0:17:42 > 0:17:46into a computer friendly desk is a challenge for Norman.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51Can he come up with the goods on a tight budget of £325?
0:17:57 > 0:18:00Jay has dropped off the armchair with Anthony
0:18:00 > 0:18:03and the bureau with Norman.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08Now he's making his way to his workshop in Wolverhampton so he can
0:18:08 > 0:18:10get cracking with his own item -
0:18:10 > 0:18:13the Lloyd Loom-style laundry basket.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20A lovely little box here. In its current state nobody would want this
0:18:20 > 0:18:24in the house, but I'm thinking toy box for the little children.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27So you can have a storage area in there for some of the toys,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30and I've been inspired by these blocks.
0:18:32 > 0:18:33Jay loves the bold, rich colours
0:18:33 > 0:18:37and the geometric pattern the building blocks create
0:18:37 > 0:18:41when put together. Plus, he just likes messing about with toys.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45There you go. Let me turn them around.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48There's my swan.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- How cool is that? - Magnificent, Jay, magnificent.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00Jay will paint a triangular pattern in vibrant colours on the basket.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04Just going to give it a little rub down to get it prepared.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08He's using a fine sanding pad to remove any dirt or grime
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- from the surface. - Get my painting jacket on now.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- Get ready to paint. - Ooh, a painting jacket!
0:19:15 > 0:19:16Ugh!
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Oh, he even makes a scruffy, old jacket look cool.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27First up, the base layer.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30As this will be a child's toy box,
0:19:30 > 0:19:34Jay's using mineral-based paint, which is solvent-free and non-toxic.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38To apply the paint, Jay is using an oval paint brush
0:19:38 > 0:19:41with extra-long bristles.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43I find that this is really useful
0:19:43 > 0:19:47for getting into all of the little nooks and crannies.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53With the base layer dry, Jay can begin to apply
0:19:53 > 0:19:55his background colour - blue.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00I'm probably going to put about three coats on this.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03So it allows the colour to do exactly what it's supposed to do,
0:20:03 > 0:20:07which is look rich. Already, instantly, that is just looking...
0:20:09 > 0:20:11..really quite cool, actually.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16I'm sure Picasso would be absolutely proud of that.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19He would say, "Jay, you've done really well there, son."
0:20:19 > 0:20:22Who knew Picasso was a Cockney?
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Blimey. To create the geometric pattern,
0:20:25 > 0:20:30Jay is using tape to outline the triangular shapes.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33If you had a flat surface, it would be a lot easier,
0:20:33 > 0:20:37but I've got a surface that is made up of weaves, so
0:20:37 > 0:20:40you just have to make sure this is really pushed down tight
0:20:40 > 0:20:43so I get that clean line going straight across.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50Achieving the smooth, straight line Jay's design requires on the bumpy
0:20:50 > 0:20:54surface of the basket will be no easy task.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58Jay is using paints and equipment he already had in his workshop.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02But he has spent ten quid on an off-cut of vinyl.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04He will use this to upholster the lid.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Let's make our way back to Manchester...
0:21:14 > 0:21:17..where Anthony is struggling to reupholster
0:21:17 > 0:21:19this big, old brute of a chair
0:21:19 > 0:21:23in his attempt to give it a sophisticated new look.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26This chair is a bit of a beast.
0:21:26 > 0:21:32Every time we peel back, there is just another layer riddled
0:21:32 > 0:21:35with more staples, and I know I should be used to it
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- but this is trying my patience. - Come on, Anthony.
0:21:38 > 0:21:45There's only 4,372 more staples to go - give or take a few hundred.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48And besides, if you stop now, it couldn't look much worse.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Perhaps we could describe it as the Mad Max makeover.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57It looks like it's almost been...
0:21:57 > 0:22:00apoco...acop... I can't even say it.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Oh, Anthony I think you'll find it's pronounced...apocalytic...
0:22:04 > 0:22:08apocalopa...apocalystic... Oh, dear.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11It looks like it just came through the apocalypse.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14That's the one!
0:22:15 > 0:22:19There are still plenty of staples to remove, but Anthony has come to the
0:22:19 > 0:22:23conclusion that he and the armchair need some time apart.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27I've decided to have a little break from the beast
0:22:27 > 0:22:29and do the nice bits of the chair.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31These are the two colours we've chosen.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35This will be for the main body of the chair,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37But we also want to do it sophisticated,
0:22:37 > 0:22:40so we are going to add in aspects of this darker grey,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42which I think will look rather nice.
0:22:46 > 0:22:47Now, we've took all the staples out.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52It's time to put them all back in again.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Anthony will begin his sophistication transformation
0:22:56 > 0:23:00by reupholstering the footboard. For the first layer,
0:23:00 > 0:23:04he's using high-density foam for cushioning and comfort.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08The foam is stapled to shape a smooth curve at the sides.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12The second layer is polyester wadding,
0:23:12 > 0:23:16which removes the friction from the foam, while helping to maintain
0:23:16 > 0:23:18the shape of the fabric.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21And, of course, all the materials Anthony is using
0:23:21 > 0:23:24meet UK fire safety standards.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30I've kind of nicknamed this chair the Beast,
0:23:30 > 0:23:34so here we have the Beast, and now we're starting to develop
0:23:34 > 0:23:38the Beauty. So beauty, beast... Beast, beauty. Beauty, beast.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43You're beginning to worry me a bit now, Anthony.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45Beast, beauty. Beauty, beast.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48I'll stick with the beauty.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Ditch the beast.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55This is man versus chair in an epic tussle that will test
0:23:55 > 0:24:00Anthony's upholstery skills and his sanity to the limit.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02Beware of the Beast, Anthony.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07GROWLING
0:24:12 > 0:24:17Ah, the bright blue skies and lush green fields of rural Sussex.
0:24:20 > 0:24:25In Norman's workshop, the oak writing bureau is awaiting
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- his skilled touch. - Tidy workshop, tidy mind.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33Jay's plan is to transform this relic of a bygone era
0:24:33 > 0:24:38into a desk suitable for use with computers and tablets.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40So, Norman, where do we begin?
0:24:40 > 0:24:42The first thing we're going to do with it,
0:24:42 > 0:24:45we are going to be like a demolition yard and smash it to smithereens.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Let the carnage commence.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54This may look like wanton destruction,
0:24:54 > 0:24:57but Norman is actually breaking the bureau down
0:24:57 > 0:25:00into its individual panels,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03as he wants to use as much of the old oak as possible.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07It's always satisfying smashing something up, isn't it?
0:25:07 > 0:25:10It's quite good fun watching too.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14When upcycling for sale, it is important to remember
0:25:14 > 0:25:19the marketplace. There's not much call for a dedicated bureau
0:25:19 > 0:25:20for writing letters.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24However, a desk you can use your computer at has wider appeal.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Norman is using the drawer fronts to make the legs.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37He is cutting them into 2½ inch wide strips.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43We'll try and make the legs a little bit modern,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46we'll cut them to a standard height for a table,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49and then we will atually taper the leg both sides,
0:25:49 > 0:25:53so it looks nice and contemporary and everything, and go from there.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56When the strips are cut to the correct length,
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Norman will glue two of them together to create each leg.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Just give it a quick sand just to...
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Yes? Just to...?
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- Just to... - Come on, Norman, spit it out.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Take off any muck or anything.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15So when we glue it up, it will hold lovely.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21To ensure a strong bond,
0:26:21 > 0:26:25Norman is using G clamps to apply pressure.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28These will remain in place for 24 hours.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33To make the desktop, Norman will use the sides of the bureau,
0:26:33 > 0:26:35but first he has to remove the nails.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38It's just making sure we get all the nails out so the saw,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41and different things like that... It's a bit time-consuming,
0:26:41 > 0:26:44but once we're there we can really start rocking and rolling.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51- This one, we've got a hairline crack in.- Peek-a-boo, Norman.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54We could glue it, so it's not the end of the world.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57Using reclaimed wood like this
0:26:57 > 0:27:01is far from the easy option, but for Norman it's all part of the fun.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08I love old timber. I love the character in it.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11You know, you get something old, something rubbish,
0:27:11 > 0:27:12and turn it into something great.
0:27:12 > 0:27:17Right now, Norman, to MY eye, all you seem to be doing is taking
0:27:17 > 0:27:20someone's rubbish and making it even rubbisher.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24Can't wait to see it when it's not a pile of dirty old wood.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31It's all go with our artisans.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36And also with Jay.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40He's putting the finishing touches to his transformation.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44That will be one really cool toy box.
0:27:46 > 0:27:51This basket was tired, tatty and in dire need of TLC.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57Now it's a fun-filled toy box.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02Unable to achieve a smooth geometric line,
0:28:02 > 0:28:06Jay developed his idea into a lovely mountain scene -
0:28:06 > 0:28:10the triangles forming hills, trees and snow-capped mountains.
0:28:13 > 0:28:18Jay added an eye-catching forest of handles on the reupholstered lid
0:28:18 > 0:28:22using vinyl to ensure it's easy to clean after the kiddiewinks
0:28:22 > 0:28:25have had their sticky fingers all over it.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29This toy box will trigger the imagination and be a fantastic
0:28:29 > 0:28:31addition to any kids' bedroom.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35I've done it all, inspired by my dear friend Henry the horse,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38who's come along to check out the forest. And I tell you,
0:28:38 > 0:28:43he does love it. He wants to have a butcher's inside.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47There's plenty of room for him and his mates. He agrees, it looks good.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49Now what I've got to do is take some pictures,
0:28:49 > 0:28:51get this online and get it sold.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56Peter was just about to sling the basket in the skip,
0:28:56 > 0:29:01- when Jay stopped him in his tracks.- How old is it?
0:29:01 > 0:29:04- It was me nan's.- No.- Seriously?
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- So it's probably older than 60 years old.- Wow.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Jay set about transforming it.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14For him, it was child's play.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18The toy box was sold to Sixth Link -
0:29:18 > 0:29:21a vintage and retro store in Shropshire.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25The shop's owner, River, was well pleased.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28Absolutely love how it's inspired by a small little toy,
0:29:28 > 0:29:30and it's created such a lovely item.
0:29:30 > 0:29:35Now Jay is in Brownhills in the West Midlands to catch up with Peter,
0:29:35 > 0:29:37and tell him what became of his box.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- Morning.- Morning, Peter. How are you doing?- Not too bad at all.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Good on you. So do you remember the box that you brought down
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- to the recycling centre?- Yes.- It's been in your family for a while?
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Yeah, it is about 60 years old, I'd imagine, yeah.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55Wow! So I was able to do something to it.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57It was a little project I took on myself.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01And I transformed it into a kid's toy box.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04- Get this up the right way. - Oh, that's nice.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Doesn't look the same, does it?!
0:30:06 > 0:30:09No! I tried my best not to make it look the same.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11So...painted it with some mountains
0:30:11 > 0:30:14on the front and a little bit of padding on the top.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18- Looks completely different.- Yeah, it's lovely.- And it was inspired
0:30:18 > 0:30:21by Henry the horse, that's just there on top.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25- Yeah, it looks nice. - And I am pleased to tell you
0:30:25 > 0:30:29I was able to sell it, and I've got
0:30:29 > 0:30:32£35 profit for you, sir.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Thank you. That's nice.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37So any ideas what you want to do with the money?
0:30:37 > 0:30:42Well, I was going to put it towards a meal for the wife's 60th.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45- That sounds good. - That's what we'll do with it.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49Bless you. Well, I might see you again at the recycling centre.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- Right.- And you take care now.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- Thank you. Bye.- See you.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01Creating the toy box cost Jay £10.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04He sold it for £45,
0:31:04 > 0:31:08giving Peter £35 to put towards a birthday treat.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17In Manchester, the drizzly, overcast sky
0:31:17 > 0:31:21is reflected in Anthony's downbeat disposition.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26Taming the Beast has proven to be an ordeal.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31This chair has been a definite struggle.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36Just been...almost, like, a career-deciding chair, this one.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38But we got there.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40We finished it. Just.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45Yeah, so hopefully Jay will be pleased with the transformation.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51The chair was Jay's little gem.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57A vintage G Plan recliner that he hoped to give a little va-va-voom
0:31:57 > 0:31:59with a sophisticated new look.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Fantastic!
0:32:05 > 0:32:11Gone are the drab and dreary browns, to be replaced by sleek and suave
0:32:11 > 0:32:16grey. The wool fabric is luxurious and looks simply sumptuous.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19As this is a recliner,
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Anthony faced the difficult challenge of ensuring that
0:32:22 > 0:32:26the moving parts look as cool when reclined as they do when upright.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32He's succeeded! But it tested his skills to the max.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36This chair has been transformed from beastly to beautiful.
0:32:36 > 0:32:41One thing it doesn't have, though, is a colour-contrasting button -
0:32:41 > 0:32:46Jay's signature look he hoped Anthony would add.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49Anthony, you could be in trouble.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51How are we doing, sir?
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- All right. Are you all right? - I'm very good. Very good.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56Oh-ho-ho!
0:32:57 > 0:32:59I do like.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03I do like. See, sometimes...
0:33:05 > 0:33:08..less is definitely more.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11This has got more than any other chair I've ever known!
0:33:11 > 0:33:12I wish it was less!
0:33:13 > 0:33:17- It does look cool. And this is wool, isn't it?- Yeah, yeah.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22I think the real key was to try and lose a lot of its weight by getting
0:33:22 > 0:33:24rid of that kind of heavy fabric, trying to slim it all down.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- Yeah.- Plus, make it look stylish.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31Plus, you know, not make it TOO alpha-male looking.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33Still the big armchair that it is.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35Yeah.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39Jay's loving it. Anthony has done a great job.
0:33:39 > 0:33:44But has he managed to do it for the £450 he agreed with Jay?
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- Did we come in on budget?- To be honest, I've been on such a journey,
0:33:47 > 0:33:49I can't even remember.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51But, yes.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55The one thing that would have taken it over budget, which we didn't have
0:33:55 > 0:33:59enough in the budget for, is unfortunately we had to forget your button.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02- I tell you the truth, I didn't even notice the button. - You see?- I didn't notice it.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06- That's what I thought, "He's not going to mention it!" - No, I didn't notice it.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08So yeah. It looks cool without the button.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12- But you've got that detail there. - Yeah, I mean, like, to be honest,
0:34:12 > 0:34:16- that was one of the first bits I did to it.- So we've come in on budget,
0:34:16 > 0:34:19looks cool, I haven't got a button - but I don't need a button.
0:34:19 > 0:34:24All I've got to do is sell it now. So, thank you, sir.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26- Good luck.- I don't need it, after what you've done.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31Wow, now that's what I call a transformation -
0:34:31 > 0:34:33from a beast of a chair
0:34:33 > 0:34:37to a slick, cool, grey and contemporary masterpiece.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Anthony has done it again. And he's taught me something as well.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43You don't always need a coloured button on a chair.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- Or do you? - You've missed your chance, Jay.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48Fortunately, he didn't miss Scott and Terry,
0:34:48 > 0:34:54as they were about to chuck the chair. What did Terry think Jay would do with it?
0:34:54 > 0:34:56I reckon Jay could clean it up, paint it,
0:34:56 > 0:34:58perhaps a nice few pillows on it.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01I think you boys are in for a nice surprise.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08Jay wasted no time in finding a buyer.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12Boutique hotel Monachyle Mhor in Perthshire in Scotland
0:35:12 > 0:35:17loved Anthony's work. And owner Tom couldn't wait to put his feet up.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19Perfect!
0:35:21 > 0:35:24Jay has travelled to Aldridge in Walsall
0:35:24 > 0:35:26to meet up with Terry and Scott,
0:35:26 > 0:35:29show them the transformation and hand over the profit.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- How are you doing? - Hello.- Hi, Scott.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- How are you doing, mate? You all right?- Very good.- So do you remember
0:35:38 > 0:35:43the old, I think, G Plan recliner chair that you brought down?
0:35:43 > 0:35:46Well, I was able to take it to a guy called Anthony up in Manchester, and
0:35:46 > 0:35:49he transformed it into something quite beautiful, I think.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54And here's what your recliner looks like now.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56We have finished it in a lovely grey wool.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59- Look at that. - Completely transformed.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- Yeah, it's nice. - So what do you guys think of that?
0:36:02 > 0:36:04- Absolutely beautiful.- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:36:05 > 0:36:09Bless you. Pleased to say that we've managed to sell it,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12and I've got for you guys £50 profit.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16- Great.- So any ideas of what you might do with the money?
0:36:16 > 0:36:18No. Perhaps have a drink!
0:36:18 > 0:36:22Have a drink? Don't blame you! All right, well, I'll be off
0:36:22 > 0:36:24- on my travels.- Thank you very much. - Have a nice drink.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- Take care and have a good one. - OK. Thank you very much.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- No problem.- Bye-bye. - See you later.
0:36:31 > 0:36:36Anthony's labour and materials came to £450.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40Jay sold the recliner for a cracking £500,
0:36:40 > 0:36:44giving Terry and Scott £50 for a night down the pub.
0:36:44 > 0:36:45Lovely.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54In East Sussex, has Norman repurposed the writing bureau
0:36:54 > 0:36:58into the contemporary desk Jay believed would have
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- wider sales potential?- I had to think about what we were doing
0:37:01 > 0:37:04because of the base and the legs and things like that, but we've done it
0:37:04 > 0:37:06and I think it has turned out really well.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09I think we will get a good response from him.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12I had to try and get into Jay's head and maybe what he'd do.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16- But I think it's got the look. - Inside Jay's head?
0:37:17 > 0:37:20Who knows what's going on in there?!
0:37:24 > 0:37:28The writing bureau was a relic of a bygone age.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30Jay wanted to give it a new purpose,
0:37:30 > 0:37:32so it could have a new lease of life.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38Norman was lacking inspiration when he first saw the bureau,
0:37:38 > 0:37:42but it's well and truly struck now. This is lovely.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48He has taken Jay's concept and crafted a beautiful desk,
0:37:48 > 0:37:51using only wood from the bureau,
0:37:51 > 0:37:54finished with a clear varnish to highlight the grain.
0:37:54 > 0:37:59It also accentuates the wear and tear of the antique oak.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03These imperfections achieved over decades add character.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07The desk is given a contemporary edge
0:38:07 > 0:38:10with the colour highlights that Jay will definitely approve of.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15And Norman has integrated a tablet holder,
0:38:15 > 0:38:18which gives this desk a modern spin.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25I'm impressed, but what about Jay?
0:38:28 > 0:38:30- How are you?- I'm very good, sir.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- Nice strong grip.- Thank you, thank you.- There we go.- Where are we?
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Oh!
0:38:36 > 0:38:38- Do you like it?- That is amazing!
0:38:38 > 0:38:41I remember the bureau looking like a bureau. Now...
0:38:42 > 0:38:45That's amazing. I mean, look at it!
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- You set the task, so we've done what you wanted.- No, I set the task,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51but sometimes I am a bit like, "Is he going to do it or not?"
0:38:51 > 0:38:54but look at it, man. That is like... that is the whole bureau.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Wow! You've done it.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58Proper, like, smashed it.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Done it. Like, oh, man.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05I think it's safe to say he is quite pleased.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07The legs are part of the drawers and we thought,
0:39:07 > 0:39:11"Let's do the Jay touch." We got the legs painted inside as well.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- I've only just noticed that. - And then we open it up.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Piece de resistance. Oh-ho!
0:39:18 > 0:39:22So we tied the inside colour with the legs.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26We made it so it can fit an iPad or a Samsung or whatever.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28You've got the hole there for the charger as well.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32This is really good. The yellow in the inside is an extra detail.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34- Happy days. - More than happy days, mate.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36I'm as happy as a bumblebee in the summer.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Going from flower to flower to flower. I'm pollinating,
0:39:39 > 0:39:43and look what I've ended up with. Not a pot of honey. But that.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47Look, I have to be honest, I have absolutely no idea
0:39:47 > 0:39:49what he's talking now.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52And when Jay thought he reached peak happiness,
0:39:52 > 0:39:56it turns out Norman is bang on his £325 budget.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59I'm going to get someone to pick that up.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02- Thank you very much.- Thank you. - I'm glad you're pleased.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- I am over the moon.- If you're happy, I'm happy.- I'm over the moon.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- More than happy.- See you soon. - Take care.- All the best, mate.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Can't believe his response, Jay. I mean, it was great.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15I'm glad he loved it. Makes the job worthwhile when someone shows
0:40:15 > 0:40:18that much appreciation. I would say we smashed it.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24Mike had owned the writing bureau for over 30 years.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27He had started to break it up for chucking in the skip,
0:40:27 > 0:40:30but Jay soon put a stop to that.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Several years ago, when we had it first,
0:40:32 > 0:40:37my wife used it as a writing desk and I used it occasionally as well.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39Yes, it's been very useful.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42And now that Jay and Norman have finished with it,
0:40:42 > 0:40:45it could be used for another 30 years.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52The desk was sold to a vintage and antique shop in Kent.
0:40:54 > 0:40:59Now Jay is back in Walsall to tell Mike what happened to the bureau
0:40:59 > 0:41:01and pass on a little bit of profit.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05- Hello, Michael.- Good morning. - How are you doing?
0:41:05 > 0:41:10- Not too bad, thank you.- Good. So do you remember the old writing bureau?
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Yes. My wife bought it, oh, years ago.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18- Somewhere in Walsall. - OK. Did she used to write on it?
0:41:18 > 0:41:19Yes, she used to use it to...
0:41:19 > 0:41:24Well, she used to stand in front of it with her music
0:41:24 > 0:41:28and mark it all up and whatnot for her concerts.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31OK. Well, I took it to a guy called Norman
0:41:31 > 0:41:35and he worked his magic on this bureau of yours,
0:41:35 > 0:41:39and turned it into a very sleek and contemporary...
0:41:39 > 0:41:41Very nice.
0:41:41 > 0:41:42- ..desk.- I really like that.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45And this is all made from the writing bureau.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47- Yeah.- He's done some yellow inside.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52And also gave me some yellow legs.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Right, very good. Beautiful, really.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59Especially the way the wood has come up, now it's been cleaned up.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- Yeah.- My wife would have approved of that.- Oh, bless.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06She wouldn't have had a laptop in it. She would have had sheet music.
0:42:06 > 0:42:13Oh, right! I'm pleased to tell you I was able to sell it, and I have...
0:42:13 > 0:42:18£75 profit for you, sir.
0:42:18 > 0:42:19Oh! Thank you very much indeed.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Any ideas of what you might do with the money?
0:42:22 > 0:42:26Well, it's going to go to the palliative care nurses
0:42:26 > 0:42:30who looked after my wife in her last two years.
0:42:30 > 0:42:36- So that's where that'll end up. - That's a good cause.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- Thank you.- Well, hopefully I might see you again.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- You take care now.- Bye.- Bye-bye.
0:42:44 > 0:42:50Norman charged Jay £325 to transform the bureau.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53Jay sold it for £400,
0:42:53 > 0:42:56giving Mike £75 to donate to the nurses charity
0:42:56 > 0:42:58that cared for his wife.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04With more than a little help from his friends,
0:43:04 > 0:43:08Jay has managed to transform these dumped diamonds
0:43:08 > 0:43:11into a pocket full of profit.
0:43:11 > 0:43:16Three unwanted items that were destined for the skip have been
0:43:16 > 0:43:19revamped into cool and stylish pieces.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22Even better - they are heading for new homes.