0:00:03 > 0:00:05That's not going in there, is it?
0:00:07 > 0:00:09How do you make money for nothing?
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Ooh, that's got lovely legs!
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 > 0:00:21- I'm now going to swan off.- OK!
0:00:21 > 0:00:26That's why entrepreneur Sarah Moore wants to get her hands on things
0:00:26 > 0:00:28before they hit the skip.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34I'm a passionate maker, buyer and user of old stuff,
0:00:34 > 0:00:37and I've turned that passion into a moneymaking business.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40I make new stuff out of old stuff and I sell it for a profit.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45And with some of the country's elite designers and makers...
0:00:45 > 0:00:47Let's brainstorm a little bit and see what we can do with it.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49It is absolutely gorgeous.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54..she can transform her finds into desirable...
0:00:54 > 0:00:55I'm kind of speechless.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56..valuable...
0:00:57 > 0:00:59That looks amazing!
0:00:59 > 0:01:02..and hopefully saleable items.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06If Sarah is successful,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10then she can hand the profits back to the very people who had no idea
0:01:10 > 0:01:13there was cash to be made from their trash.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16That's lovely - a lovely ending!
0:01:29 > 0:01:33Altrincham Recycling Centre is the final resting place of
0:01:33 > 0:01:36tonnes of unloved items -
0:01:36 > 0:01:39that's why Sarah spends her days hanging around here.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Look at that - I mean, the world is my oyster!
0:01:43 > 0:01:44Anything could come in here today.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48It could be rubbish, but it could be something really exciting.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51I don't know what I'm doing standing here.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56Sarah's here to find three items that can be reworked to make them
0:01:56 > 0:01:59desirable once again, and she'll take anything.
0:02:01 > 0:02:02"Non-recyclable waste" -
0:02:02 > 0:02:05it's just not an expression that I have in my vocabulary.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07You can do something with everything.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Well, we'll see about that.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Before Sarah started her search, she got special permission to approach
0:02:14 > 0:02:19the public, and first in her sights is Mike.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Is there anything special in what he's chucking out?
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- Hiya.- Hello. Yeah.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29What have you been smashing up?
0:02:29 > 0:02:33It's a display unit from the house of my late parents.
0:02:33 > 0:02:34So, where was this in the house, then?
0:02:34 > 0:02:36This was at the bottom of the stairs.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39It was a display unit. It did have ornaments in it,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41it kept some personal effects.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- A telephone used to be on it years ago...- Yeah.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46..so there was address books and telephone books, and...
0:02:46 > 0:02:47This is the top, this way?
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- Yep, that's the top, yeah. - OK, and that's the wings...
0:02:50 > 0:02:52The legs down there, yeah.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56Brilliant. Well, rather than it going in the wood bin,
0:02:56 > 0:02:58please may I take it away?
0:02:58 > 0:02:59By all means, yeah.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03It would be lovely to have a go at trying to make something out of it.
0:03:03 > 0:03:04That'd be great, yeah.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06So, if I manage to give it a new lease of life,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08can I come back and find you and show you what I've done with it?
0:03:08 > 0:03:09Absolutely, yeah.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13Brilliant, OK. I'm going to gather up these bits.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18Sarah's snaffled the cut-up display cabinet, as she sees some potential.
0:03:18 > 0:03:19Nice one.
0:03:21 > 0:03:22Thank you so much. I'll keep in touch.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- You're welcome, cheers. - Bye-bye.- Bye-bye.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30I have no idea what Sarah's going to do with that, but does Mike?
0:03:30 > 0:03:32I imagine it could be polished up, cleaned up,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35varnished and turned into a display cabinet again,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38and someone else can get years of enjoyment out of it,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41just like its previous existence, really.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Well, look at this poor old cabinet.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46It has been really bashed and battered on its way
0:03:46 > 0:03:49to the recycling centre, but I love it.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52I think it needs a bit of TLC, and I think it'll be looking beautiful.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Sarah knows exactly who to take it to.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01Meet Norman Wilkinson -
0:04:01 > 0:04:06he's a master craftsman with over 25 years' experience producing bespoke
0:04:06 > 0:04:09signature pieces and commissioned furniture.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Oh, the stuff you get from the tip, some of it I'm thinking,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15what are we doing? But, you know, yeah, it's great fun. I mean...
0:04:15 > 0:04:18And also when you turn the weird and wonderful ones into something great,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21and they sell it as well, and then someone's going to love it, I mean,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24that's what it's all about, isn't it?
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Norman loves the challenge of turning unloved items
0:04:27 > 0:04:29into treasured possessions.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32I enjoy my work. I think, if anyone enjoys their work,
0:04:32 > 0:04:34it comes out in the piece of furniture,
0:04:34 > 0:04:35because, you know, you love it,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38and then it hopefully reflects when someone buys it
0:04:38 > 0:04:41that they can see the love that we've put into it.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44You know, it's a joy to get up and come to work in the mornings.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48This joy may be short-lived,
0:04:48 > 0:04:52when Norman sees the cut-up display cabinet Sarah's saved for him.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02With one item in the bag, Sarah's on the hunt for two more.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07Shouldn't be too hard to whip up a profit.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Not with that, though.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14You're right, Sarah - a rusty whisk leaves me unstirred, too.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17Perhaps Tom's boot will move you a bit more.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- Hi there. - Hiya. Hi, are you all right?
0:05:19 > 0:05:20Yeah, I'm all right. How are you?
0:05:20 > 0:05:22Fine, fine, fine.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25They look exciting.
0:05:25 > 0:05:26I was just going to tip them.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29So, what...are they... They're old bench ends, are they?
0:05:29 > 0:05:31They're old Victorian bench ends, actually.
0:05:31 > 0:05:32Let's have a look at that.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- They're very heavy.- OK, well, let's leave it there for a second.
0:05:35 > 0:05:36How long have you had those, then?
0:05:36 > 0:05:38In my garden, I've left them there about...
0:05:38 > 0:05:41They've been there about two and a half or three years now.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43OK.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45The bench ends are cast iron,
0:05:45 > 0:05:49which has probably helped them to survive decades outside.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51What hasn't remained as part of the bench
0:05:51 > 0:05:54is the wooden seat and backrest.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57So, would it be possible to have a closer look at the other bits, then?
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- Yeah, of course. - These are fantastic.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01Let me just get these for you.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03I'll put them by the thing for you.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05I think this looks like a great collection,
0:06:05 > 0:06:08but those old ones there would be fantastic to take away
0:06:08 > 0:06:10and see if they can be reused.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12Yeah, well, fine, if somebody can make use of them,
0:06:12 > 0:06:14or you can make use of them, fine.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16I'll just dump these. It's fine.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18I work with all sorts of talented people -
0:06:18 > 0:06:21it would be great if I could take them away, find out what to
0:06:21 > 0:06:23do with them and then come and show you what I've done.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- Would that be all right?- That'd be fantastic, yeah. No problem.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Lovely. I think I'll be coming to see you shortly.
0:06:28 > 0:06:29- Lovely.- Thank you so much.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31Thank you. Take care.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Two cast-iron bench ends - what could become of them?
0:06:34 > 0:06:37I'm sure Tom has a few ideas.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40I reckon they would look beautiful, so I reckon, first of all,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43if they clean them off and then remake them into a bench...
0:06:43 > 0:06:45I'm certainly looking forward to seeing what it becomes
0:06:45 > 0:06:49and exactly what they've done with them, you know what I mean?
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Look at these.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55They are heavy, they're really old, they look awful at the moment...
0:06:55 > 0:06:56They're going to be beautiful.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58A pair of old bench ends like this,
0:06:58 > 0:07:01they've got all the properties needed to be turned into something
0:07:01 > 0:07:05really lovely, and I know just who to take them to!
0:07:12 > 0:07:17Rupert Blanchard is a furniture designer and self-confessed hoarder
0:07:17 > 0:07:19of anything old he can turn into gold.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23I work mostly with reclaimed materials.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27These are found materials that other people have given up on,
0:07:27 > 0:07:31and I benefit from what other people throw away,
0:07:31 > 0:07:32but it's more than that -
0:07:32 > 0:07:35I spend a lot of time, and a lot of energy,
0:07:35 > 0:07:39and a lot of love in restoring things,
0:07:39 > 0:07:44and somehow working people's rubbish back into their home
0:07:44 > 0:07:46as something brand-new.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50I admire your recycling spirit, Rupert,
0:07:50 > 0:07:53but perhaps some things are better off left in the skip...
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Two items found, which means only one left to nab.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Sarah needs an item that she can take home and crack on with herself.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09# Hello, is it rubbish you're looking for? #
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Yes, well done, Sarah.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Now, can you just get on with your day job?
0:08:14 > 0:08:18As Neil may have something to suit you in the boot of his car...
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- Hi there.- Oh, hiya.- Hello.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22Is that going in the skip, by any chance?
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- It was, yeah.- Is that yours?
0:08:25 > 0:08:26No, it's my stepdaughter's,
0:08:26 > 0:08:29she's just finished three years at university, fashion student.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31It was a bit of a wrench for her to get rid of it,
0:08:31 > 0:08:33but the house hasn't got the room.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- Well, may I have a closer look at it?- Of course you can, yeah.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- Is it heavy?- No, no, just be careful, there's still pins in it.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43That's really cool, isn't it? Oh, and that stand, too.
0:08:43 > 0:08:44The stand, yeah. It all comes together, yeah.
0:08:44 > 0:08:49Mannequins can be traced back as early as 1350 BC,
0:08:49 > 0:08:53based on a wooden torso discovery in the tomb of Tutankhamen,
0:08:53 > 0:08:58but the ones we recognise today, showing off clothes in shop windows,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01became more popular thanks to the advent of plate glass
0:09:01 > 0:09:03and electric lighting.
0:09:03 > 0:09:04Would you mind, then, if I took it away?
0:09:04 > 0:09:08By all means, help yourself. I'd like to see it go to a good home.
0:09:08 > 0:09:09And if I can make something out of it,
0:09:09 > 0:09:11would it be possible to come back and find you
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- and show you what I've done? - Absolutely, yeah.
0:09:13 > 0:09:14Fantastic. Well, you've made my day.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17I think you rarely find something that pretty at the recycling centre,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20so I'm going to say thank you so much, and I'll be in touch.
0:09:20 > 0:09:21Not a problem. Enjoy.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- Thank you very much.- OK.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27Fabulous! Sarah's bagged herself a fashion mannequin,
0:09:27 > 0:09:31but do you think she can fashion something out of it, Neil?
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I don't know what she's going to do with it,
0:09:33 > 0:09:37but it'd be nice to think it'd be something fashion related,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39and it's going to a good home.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41That's good... That's good enough for me.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Sounds good to me, too.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46I think it's a sweet mannequin -
0:09:46 > 0:09:48really quite expensive to buy if they're new,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51but at the moment it's still looking a bit pristine for me,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54so I think there could be something lovely to do to this,
0:09:54 > 0:09:55to make it turn a profit.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Profit from a mannequin - now, this I've got to see!
0:09:59 > 0:10:02After a hard day's searching and salvaging,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Sarah has her three items.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Norman will work on the hall display unit,
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Rupert will reimagine the cast-iron bench ends,
0:10:11 > 0:10:15and Sarah will hopefully manage to make over the mannequin.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Well, between the mattresses,
0:10:18 > 0:10:20the bin bags and the endless garden waste,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23we have found some really fantastic items.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Let's go and transform them.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Sarah's travelled to the village of Hellingly,
0:10:34 > 0:10:38where Norman works his magic with furniture old and new,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42but what will he make of Sarah's broken-down display cabinet?
0:10:42 > 0:10:44This, I can't wait to see.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Well, Sarah's on her way.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48I'm wondering what delights we'll have today.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51Well, if you were looking for a piece of deeply undesirable
0:10:51 > 0:10:55furniture that was not commercial and in a really bad state,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57I'd say that's a pretty good example.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59But it is old and it does have potential -
0:10:59 > 0:11:02I just hope Norman can see that.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Fasten your seat belts - this could be a bumpy ride!
0:11:05 > 0:11:07First impressions?
0:11:07 > 0:11:08Pick it up.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- Oh, no.- Let's take it back out!
0:11:11 > 0:11:13It's not THAT bad.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17I think that it would look infinitely better
0:11:17 > 0:11:18without these wings on it.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Without these bits, yeah.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24And it does have all the period features to go back in.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27I would, number one...
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- ..turn the drawer around, so then... - Oh, that's clever. Yeah.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35We could put a nice base on it. We won't put a cornice on it.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37We'll put a nice...just a flat top on it,
0:11:37 > 0:11:39and then do a nice, strong colour.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41You'll know when you're doing it,
0:11:41 > 0:11:44but I think quite dark might be quite cool.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46We will pick a good colour.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49We... Actually, we'll pick one to surprise you.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51You love surprises, don't you?
0:11:51 > 0:11:53I'm more like a control freak of colour, actually.
0:11:53 > 0:11:54Yeah, I know you are.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57So, it's going to be a freestanding cabinet,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01with the side shelves removed and some new legs attached -
0:12:01 > 0:12:04could be tricky and time-consuming.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07Norman, what's the best possible price you could possibly give me
0:12:07 > 0:12:08on this beautiful cabinet?
0:12:08 > 0:12:11The best possible price for you,
0:12:11 > 0:12:14doing all that and then getting the strong colour and everything,
0:12:14 > 0:12:15295.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Lovely. Well, thank you so much.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19And it's a deal.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Over to you, Norman.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24We'll do our normal bit, take it apart and...
0:12:24 > 0:12:26and make it up as we go along, maybe.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28But I'm sure it'll work.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31It's just one of those ones where you think,
0:12:31 > 0:12:35"Well, we can sleep on it another day."
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Well, this one definitely needs a lot of work,
0:12:39 > 0:12:41but Norman is going to transform it, I know.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44He's going to make it into something sweet and saleable.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51With a budget of £295, Norman seems relaxed,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54but with no agreed colour or even a plan,
0:12:54 > 0:12:56there could be trouble ahead.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00For Sarah's next stop,
0:13:00 > 0:13:04she's travelled to the seaside town of Margate -
0:13:04 > 0:13:10HQ to a bustling vintage and retro scene, and home to our Rupert.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Sarah's brought along the cast-iron bench ends to see
0:13:13 > 0:13:16what Rupert makes of them.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19I'm hoping Sarah's going to bring me something that's absolutely rubbish
0:13:19 > 0:13:22today, something that everyone's given up on,
0:13:22 > 0:13:24and, you know, I'm glad she just saved it for me,
0:13:24 > 0:13:28and I can do something with it, so that people love it again.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30I reckon you're in luck, Rupert!
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Well, I love these bench ends.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34I sneakily think they might be a bit of a find,
0:13:34 > 0:13:37so I've brought them to Rupert, because they've got yellow on them,
0:13:37 > 0:13:41they're old, they're battered - he's going to love them, isn't it?
0:13:41 > 0:13:42Let's go and find out.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Rupert? Hey.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Hey, Sarah. Come in, come in.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50So, what have you brought me today?
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Well, let me show you.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Let me show you in detail, cos I think these are amazing.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Let's get it on the bench, then.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- Have you got it?- Mm-hm. - Brilliant, thanks.
0:14:00 > 0:14:01You get that one.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Oh, lovely.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- Heavy, aren't they? - Oh, they are a bit.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- What do you think? - They're great, aren't they?
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Well, they've got this telltale little bit of Rupert yellow
0:14:11 > 0:14:13in there - I know you're a big yellow fan.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16A little bit of yellow - I do like yellow. Erm...
0:14:16 > 0:14:18But I do like cast iron as well, which...
0:14:18 > 0:14:21They're definitely cast iron and very old.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24I imagine these are completely original.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27They've been languishing in a cottage garden, apparently.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Excellent. I'm glad you brought them here, cos they really are much
0:14:30 > 0:14:31better quality than modern ones.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34They're not, like, thin, cheap ones -
0:14:34 > 0:14:37these are heavy and really quite decorative.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38What do you want done with them?
0:14:38 > 0:14:41How about we make them into a bench?
0:14:41 > 0:14:42A bench? OK.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Well, I don't think I've ever made a cast-iron bench before,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49but I'm up for a challenge.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51I guess, first thoughts, a few different ideas...
0:14:51 > 0:14:55I could use scrap wood and make a really colourful bench.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57I could go traditional, really solid,
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- something like mahogany, teak, something like this.- OK.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03It might be nice to try to do something a bit
0:15:03 > 0:15:04brighter, a bit more modern,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07try to get this outdoor bench actually inside,
0:15:07 > 0:15:09into somebody's home, maybe.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10That would be lovely,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13and if it comes with a bit of distinctive Rupert twist to it,
0:15:13 > 0:15:14that would be even better.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16So, after much thought,
0:15:16 > 0:15:19these cast-iron bench ends are to become...
0:15:19 > 0:15:20wait for it...
0:15:20 > 0:15:22a bench.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26Not just any old bench, but a bench with a Rupert twist,
0:15:26 > 0:15:31and Sarah has some ideas about how much a Rupert twist should cost.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Anything that begins with a two,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36I think gives me a margin to make some money out of it, so...
0:15:36 > 0:15:39OK, well, I know it's pushing it quite far for a bench,
0:15:39 > 0:15:40but if you could give me about £200,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43I can give you something that's going to be great.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45200 quid sounds like a brilliant deal.
0:15:45 > 0:15:46- Terrific.- Thank you so much. - Done.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- Good luck with those. See you soon. - Excellent, thank you.- Bye.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Well, that was easy.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Well, my bench ends have got a brand-new start,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58and I can't wait to see how Rupert makes them look.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00They're going to be fab, aren't they?
0:16:00 > 0:16:03I love that Sarah's actually brought me something really old this time.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Um, I hope I can do them justice.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08I'm really not used to working with cast iron,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11so hopefully it's going to go OK
0:16:11 > 0:16:13and I don't crack it when I start stripping it.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Um...
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Yeah, just better get a move on.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23To create a bespoke bench with a Rupert twist,
0:16:23 > 0:16:26it's going to cost £200,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29but when it's all done, will Sarah be sitting on a profit?
0:16:39 > 0:16:42With our makers up and running,
0:16:42 > 0:16:46it's time for Sarah to head back home to West Sussex and start
0:16:46 > 0:16:49the transformation of the fashion mannequin,
0:16:49 > 0:16:52though I'm not quite sure what she's going to do with it.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54I think it's quite nice the way it is, really.
0:16:56 > 0:16:57It's quite a sweet little mannequin,
0:16:57 > 0:17:00it's got a real faux-vintage look to it, though.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02And it's a bit wobbly and lightweight.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05I would like to make it into something that is beautiful, smart,
0:17:05 > 0:17:07looking really antique and old,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10just the kind of thing that you might have in a shop,
0:17:10 > 0:17:13or perhaps even in a bedroom to put your clothes on.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15I need to choose some lovely fabrics to go on to it
0:17:15 > 0:17:18and then work out how to make this look really beautiful.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23So, it's staying a mannequin, but it'll be out with the new,
0:17:23 > 0:17:27in with the old, and Sarah's big wall of vintage fabrics
0:17:27 > 0:17:30is the perfect place to start.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31I'm looking for something
0:17:31 > 0:17:34that makes it feel like a kind of Victorian governess.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37I'm thinking bustles and lace and probably...
0:17:37 > 0:17:38Look, there's a bit.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Using the vintage fabric,
0:17:42 > 0:17:46Sarah will complete recover the surface to create the look
0:17:46 > 0:17:49of a 19th-century mannequin.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51I think it needs a bit more...volume.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54And to make it really authentic,
0:17:54 > 0:17:58there's another element she'll have to...embellish.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01I'm trying to make it look a little bit more curvy,
0:18:01 > 0:18:04because the antique ones, particularly the French ones,
0:18:04 > 0:18:06and those are the ones that sell for lots of money,
0:18:06 > 0:18:08are always really curvy.
0:18:09 > 0:18:10Ooh-la-la!
0:18:13 > 0:18:19Sarah's using padding from an old pillow to accentuate the, er...
0:18:19 > 0:18:22NARRATOR CLEARS HIS THROAT ..the bust.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24That's certainly got a look to it.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Compared to modern mannequins,
0:18:26 > 0:18:30classic French mannequins favoured a more ample frontage.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Good grief!
0:18:35 > 0:18:36Watch it doesn't topple over.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42Oh, dear. Let's get the staple gun out.
0:18:42 > 0:18:43Let's cover them up.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50The term "mannequin" originates from the French word...mannequin.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53The first fashion mannequins
0:18:53 > 0:18:56were made from papier-mache in France
0:18:56 > 0:18:57in the mid-19th century.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02Later, they were made of wax to produce a more lifelike appearance.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Well, at last, the stitching's done. It has taken forever,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11but I think it's now got quite a sweet looking shape.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14But I'm really not liking that bit down there.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16So...
0:19:16 > 0:19:18I've had this lying around for a bit,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20and I think it might be my secret weapon.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23I'm thinking about pushing this straight the way down,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26replacing the metal and having the top of it poking out,
0:19:26 > 0:19:28just like an old-fashioned mannequin.
0:19:28 > 0:19:34Either this is a great idea, or Sarah's gone snooker loopy.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Sarah starts by sawing off the metal pole
0:19:37 > 0:19:39to make room for the snooker cue.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42I hope this works, otherwise there's going to be two dummies!
0:19:44 > 0:19:47Vintage mannequins often had ornamental metal tops,
0:19:47 > 0:19:51known as finials, handy for hanging scarves or hats.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56You're going to have to bear with me, cos I know it looks a bit
0:19:56 > 0:19:57odd at the moment, but I think in the end,
0:19:57 > 0:20:00I know exactly how this is going to look and it's going to be fine.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03But I am a bit worried about the white of this fabric.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06It's going to get dirty really quickly if anybody touches it.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09So, I've got a solution. In fact, I've got a paint solution for it.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13Sarah's watered down some grey emulsion paint,
0:20:13 > 0:20:14which looks like a puddle.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Yes, I know, it's paint and this is material.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19But trust me, it's going to work.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23Oh, it all started so well.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Now it's got a snooker cue sticking out of it
0:20:29 > 0:20:31and she's painting it grey.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33I think we'll just leave her to it.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38So far, Sarah's spent £15 on materials and paint.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Her ideas better pay off,
0:20:40 > 0:20:42or she'll be snookered!
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Back in Hellingly in East Sussex,
0:20:51 > 0:20:56it's time for the old display cabinet to get the Norman treatment.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57So, what's the plan?
0:20:57 > 0:21:01The plan is we're going to cut all this lot off,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03cut this off
0:21:03 > 0:21:06and make it into a nice little glazed cabinet
0:21:06 > 0:21:08with a shelf underneath and everything.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11So, I think it's one of these ones we'll see how we get on
0:21:11 > 0:21:13smashing it up,
0:21:13 > 0:21:16see what we've got left and then work it out from there.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Let's get those ideas hammered out then, Norman.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26Basically, this is going to be a much sleeker and more modern-looking
0:21:26 > 0:21:28freestanding display cabinet.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32Norman plans to make this cabinet go up in the world by adding
0:21:32 > 0:21:35a set of brand-new tapered legs.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41To make sure his cabinet will be stable,
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Norman has to decide on the leg size and shape.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47We're just going to taper the, um...
0:21:47 > 0:21:51the bottom inside edges, only four inches up.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53It spreads to the leg,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56so it hopefully gives it a bit more stability.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00Only someone as experienced as Norman can make precision cutting
0:22:00 > 0:22:02on a table saw look easy.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Norman marks the legs carefully,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12to make sure he fits them all the right way round.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15So, hopefully, we can't go wrong.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Indeed. Next, Norman adds support beams between the legs
0:22:19 > 0:22:22to help ensure as little wobble as possible
0:22:22 > 0:22:25when it's supporting the heavy cabinet base.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28That'll be that part of the cabinet,
0:22:28 > 0:22:32so if we want to put a shelf in, we can still put another shelf in.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34So... But we can make it up as we go along.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40After more cutting and gluing, the new legs have finally come together.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- Right.- They certainly look the part.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46But are they stable enough to hold up the old oak?
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Whoops, still a bit of wobble.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53Yeah, I think that's going to be all right.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55We might put a middle shelf in,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58I think just to give it a little bit more depth.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00More depth would be good, Norman.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02And some doors might be nice, too.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04I think it's come along and it's looking quite versatile,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- so yeah, happy days.- As long as you're confident, Norman.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11But from here, you look a long way off from having something saleable.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14Back in Margate,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17Rupert's putting together a plan to turn the old bench ends
0:23:17 > 0:23:19into a brand-new bench.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21But first things first,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24what is the plan to get rid of those old layers of paint?
0:23:26 > 0:23:29OK, I'm going to get to work on these bench ends
0:23:29 > 0:23:33with some really quite powerful paint stripper.
0:23:33 > 0:23:34And, um...
0:23:35 > 0:23:38..definitely going to need gloves for these.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43Great green ooze that gets rid of all dodgy old paint.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47When using paint stripper, always work in a well-ventilated space.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51And if in doubt, best to wear a protective mask.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Probably my least favourite job in the workshop, this.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Metal paint stripping.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02Obviously, I'm doing this because I don't want to lose all the character
0:24:02 > 0:24:03of the original castings.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06If I was to sandblast it, they'd look brand-new
0:24:06 > 0:24:10and there'd be no point in Sarah saving them for me.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14Um, these are original, I want to do a sympathetic restoration.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17So, this horrible stuff is dabbed all over...
0:24:19 > 0:24:21..really quite thickly.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25And I leave it on for about half an hour to an hour,
0:24:25 > 0:24:27until it all blisters up.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31And, erm, I brush it away, like magic.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34That's how it should happen - it rarely does.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37I'm not sure it's going to be much different this time, Rupert.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40There could be 100 years of paint to get through there.
0:24:40 > 0:24:41Paint stripper's going to take a while,
0:24:41 > 0:24:43so I'm going to get to work on the second bench end
0:24:43 > 0:24:46and try to remove the screws in the backrest.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48There's a couple of screws that are completely seized up,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51rusted in place. I'm going to try to get them out.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Got to go really careful, cos...
0:24:54 > 0:24:56..cast iron, although it's strong,
0:24:56 > 0:25:00it can be a really brittle material when you hit it at the wrong angle.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05So if I hit it, I can just crack it.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07This doesn't bode well so far.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09There are four of these screws to remove
0:25:09 > 0:25:11and I can't even get one out yet.
0:25:11 > 0:25:12You could always try heating...
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Ah, you're a step ahead of me there, Rupert.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19By heating the metal, it should expand and contract,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21helping to loosen things off.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- HE LAUGHS - It doesn't want to come out the hole!
0:25:24 > 0:25:28I don't want to hit it too hard, cos it will break the cast iron.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30Ooh...
0:25:30 > 0:25:32Ah, think I can see it moving.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34Wahey!
0:25:35 > 0:25:38There you go. Excellent.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40One screw down, three more to go.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43Thank goodness for that.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Next, Rupert's taking some timber he recently picked up
0:25:48 > 0:25:50at a car-boot sale
0:25:50 > 0:25:54and is cutting it into lengths to form the slats of the new bench.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01I think this is going to be a bit of a labour of love,
0:26:01 > 0:26:04cos it, although it's starting to look like a bench,
0:26:04 > 0:26:06it's a long way from being a...
0:26:08 > 0:26:09..a finished product.
0:26:09 > 0:26:14And now for the piece de resistance, the Rupert twist.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17I've managed to find some great old signage for this bench -
0:26:17 > 0:26:18and this is just what I wanted.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23It's old enamel signage, old tin, lovely typography over it.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26It's going to need a good scrub and a lot of work,
0:26:26 > 0:26:29because it was dug out of someone's garden.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32This is only a small bit of it, but somehow
0:26:32 > 0:26:35I'm going to fix these together as the backrest.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39I've still got a tonne of work to do, but I'm really happy now.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42I think I've sort of turned a corner
0:26:42 > 0:26:44and I can see this as a finished piece now.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48So, that's the back taken care of - and the bottom.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50But what about that old paint?
0:26:50 > 0:26:52The paint's really thick on these,
0:26:52 > 0:26:57so it's not releasing with one application of paint stripper.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59Some little bits are bubbling away,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02but it's still only going down to the base coat.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05So, either all this paint comes off
0:27:05 > 0:27:10or Sarah's going to end up with a badly-painted pair of bench ends.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14But that's not going to happen.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16These, this will come off.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Just spend a few more hours on it.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21Good luck, Rupert!
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Having left Rupert attempting to strip paint,
0:27:31 > 0:27:33we return now to West Sussex,
0:27:33 > 0:27:38where Sarah's been wrestling with a vintage project, the mannequin.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41And she's glad to be adding the finishing touches,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44as this project has been harder than expected.
0:27:44 > 0:27:45This is tough.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51When Sarah collected the mannequin at the tip,
0:27:51 > 0:27:55it was modern, floral, lacked substance and style.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Now...
0:27:57 > 0:27:59it's been completely transformed
0:27:59 > 0:28:03to look like an old-fashioned French dressmaker's mannequin,
0:28:03 > 0:28:06complete with a more curvaceous shape.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Sarah has replaced the old metal support
0:28:09 > 0:28:13with a far more authentic wooden pole. Once a snooker cue,
0:28:13 > 0:28:17it has been painted with a matte black chalk paint finish.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20On the back, she's sewn in place a vintage nightdress,
0:28:20 > 0:28:22complete with embroidered initials.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25While it might not be to everyone's taste,
0:28:25 > 0:28:30Sarah knows exactly the type of buyer this mannequin is perfect for.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32She's timeworn, she's old-fashioned looking
0:28:32 > 0:28:36and I think those are going to be the charms that help sell her.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38I'm hoping she'll be snapped up by somebody with a shop,
0:28:38 > 0:28:41perhaps vintage clothing, or somebody who sells jewellery,
0:28:41 > 0:28:44who really needs something like this to make their stuff look better.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46And she's a lovely, ample figure.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48And you don't normally find mannequins like that.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51I'll have to take your word for that, Sarah.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53In order to find her a new home,
0:28:53 > 0:28:57Sarah needs to take a few pictures to advertise her online.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59And with a bit of luck,
0:28:59 > 0:29:03the mannequin will be showing off new outfits before you know it.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07When Sarah caught up with Neil at the tip,
0:29:07 > 0:29:10he was about to throw a mannequin into a skip.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12- Is that yours? - No, my stepdaughter's.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15She's just finished three years at university, fashion student.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Sarah was suitably impressed.
0:29:19 > 0:29:20That's really cool, isn't it?
0:29:20 > 0:29:22And that stand, too.
0:29:22 > 0:29:23The stand, yeah, it all comes together.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27Neil, on the other hand, couldn't see what could become of it.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29I don't know what she's going to do with it.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32But it would be nice to think it would be something
0:29:32 > 0:29:35fashion-related and it's going to a good home.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37That's good enough for me.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40It's gone from tip-bound to total treasure.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47Though she may not be everyone's cup of tea in her new guise,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50the good news is that Rachel, the owner of Reckage At Home,
0:29:50 > 0:29:55a vintage and reclamation shop in Doncaster, thinks she's great.
0:29:55 > 0:29:56We love this busty lady,
0:29:56 > 0:29:58we think she'll be a fantastic display piece
0:29:58 > 0:30:00and we're going to keep her in the shop.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03And she was quick to put her on show.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07But just how much was Rachel willing to pay?
0:30:07 > 0:30:10And was there any profit for Neil?
0:30:10 > 0:30:13Unfortunately, Neil isn't available to meet with me again,
0:30:13 > 0:30:17but I have made him a profit of £135
0:30:17 > 0:30:20to send him for his mannequin.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24With Sarah spending just £15 on materials for this project
0:30:24 > 0:30:29and the newly aged mannequin selling for £150,
0:30:29 > 0:30:33that was a £135 profit for Neil.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41With the mannequin having made a good profit,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44things are getting off to a good start.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Sarah's back in Hellingly to see how Norman's got on.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52Well, I dropped off a battered old wall cabinet.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55It was out of fashion, out of love and out of a skip.
0:30:55 > 0:31:00So, I'm hoping Norman has transformed it into the in thing.
0:31:00 > 0:31:01Are we happy with this one?
0:31:01 > 0:31:06Well, I think we've transformed it into this lovely little thing.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09I think it's got great potential now for halls or anywhere.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11So, yeah, she's going to love it again.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13That's very confident, Norman.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16I think we'll just have to wait and see.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19When Sarah saved the old wall cabinet,
0:31:19 > 0:31:20it was way past its prime.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26Now Norman has worked his magic and given it a fresh, modern look.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Gone is the old-fashioned winged shelving,
0:31:29 > 0:31:32giving the cupboard sleek new lines.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35Long, tapered legs have been added to raise it up,
0:31:35 > 0:31:37and an extra shelf has been included.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41The drawer fronts have been smoothed and the original handles
0:31:41 > 0:31:43kept and reused.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46The joins are now beautiful and seamless,
0:31:46 > 0:31:49and the whole unit has been given a fresh new coat
0:31:49 > 0:31:53of racing green paint, setting off the white interior.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55But what will Sarah think?
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Norm?
0:31:57 > 0:31:58Hello, you.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Right, what do you think of that, then?
0:32:03 > 0:32:04Norman, it's beautiful!
0:32:04 > 0:32:06I think it's come out well.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08I recognise that.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Yeah, we took the pattern off the drawer,
0:32:10 > 0:32:12but I was going to do the drawer at the bottom.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14But then when we started doing it,
0:32:14 > 0:32:16I thought it looked more quirky at the top.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Then, also, if you've got kids, you can put stuff...
0:32:18 > 0:32:20if you've got kids, you can put stuff in there
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- and they can't get to it. - Who knew that you had that in you?
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Look at it, it's petite, it's sensible.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28- Designer.- Sensible?
0:32:28 > 0:32:29Look at it, it's got a drawer at the top,
0:32:29 > 0:32:31keep things out of reach of children.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34I think that is a really lovely piece of furniture.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37It was black, so we kept it a dark colour.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39So, we thought we'd go for this nice green.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41It's a nice green, I think it's a lovely colour,
0:32:41 > 0:32:45and the white, you know, just throws it out, doesn't it?
0:32:45 > 0:32:46Oh, I just can't believe it.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49Really, it's got a lovely finish.
0:32:49 > 0:32:50Very clever, what you've done.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Nice that it's pale on the inside.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55How much does it cost to make that horrible thing
0:32:55 > 0:32:58- into this beautiful thing? - Bang on budget.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01- 295?- 295, that's the magic number.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03I think it's... I think it's clever, what you've done.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08I think it's green and elegant and an inspired choice of colour.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10295?
0:33:10 > 0:33:14- Happy.- Well, I am, given what I gave to you, I think that's amazing.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Well, that's what it's all about, isn't it?
0:33:17 > 0:33:20I think, as we say in the trade, this is fantastic.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Fantastic indeed, Norman. Good job.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27What we had and what we turned it into, we've made Sarah happy.
0:33:27 > 0:33:28I mean, that's one hell of a job,
0:33:28 > 0:33:30so turning that into that and making Sarah happy,
0:33:30 > 0:33:34it's double bubble, innit? So, fantastic, we're happy.
0:33:36 > 0:33:37Well, I've really got to hand it to Norman.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39I'm always impressed with what he does.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42But I'm not usually as surprised as that.
0:33:42 > 0:33:43That cabinet is a beauty.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49When Sarah spotted Mike at the tip,
0:33:49 > 0:33:51she loved the look of his parents' old cabinet.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53This was at the bottom of the stairs.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57It was a display unit, it did have ornaments in it.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00Sadly, it was no longer in one piece.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02- It wouldn't go in the car. - So, you smashed it up?
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- So, we've took the legs off. - Are those bits of it?
0:34:04 > 0:34:05Yeah, they're bits of it, this is.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09But Sarah was happy to take it away, leaving Mike pondering its fate.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11I can imagine it could be polished up, cleaned up,
0:34:11 > 0:34:15varnished and turned into a display cabinet again.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17And someone else can get years of enjoyment out of it.
0:34:22 > 0:34:23To find a buyer,
0:34:23 > 0:34:27Sarah advertised the cabinet for sale by sending out pictures
0:34:27 > 0:34:28to her client base.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32It attracted a lot of attention.
0:34:32 > 0:34:33But did she get it sold?
0:34:36 > 0:34:39Sarah's travelled to Bolton in Greater Manchester
0:34:39 > 0:34:42to let Mike know what happened to his cabinet
0:34:42 > 0:34:44and hopefully take shelter from the rain.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49- Hello, Sarah. - Hello, Mike, how you doing?
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Yeah. Come in, it's miserable out there.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53It is. It's dreadful, isn't it?
0:34:53 > 0:34:54Yeah, come through, Sarah.
0:34:54 > 0:34:55- Cheers.- Thank you.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59So, I can't see anything here that looks like that old cabinet
0:34:59 > 0:35:00you were throwing away.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02No, that's why it was going to be thrown away,
0:35:02 > 0:35:04it wasn't really a fit, yeah.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Did you wonder what might happen to it after it left you?
0:35:06 > 0:35:10Yeah, I mean, as you know, it was in a bit of a state.
0:35:10 > 0:35:11Yeah, somebody smashed it up.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Yeah, to get it in the car, that was me.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15I thought it was fit for transformation,
0:35:15 > 0:35:17so I took it to my friend Norman.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19- I've got some pictures here to show you.- Right.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21So, I think you probably remember it looking a bit like that.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23It ended up looking like that.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25It's totally different, isn't it?
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- Yeah.- There's a lot of the original piece there.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- Yeah.- All of the drawers and all the doors and all the structure.
0:35:30 > 0:35:31- Yeah.- What do you think?
0:35:31 > 0:35:33It's actually quite an amazing transformation.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36It is totally different. It is elegant, that's...
0:35:36 > 0:35:37With the length of the...
0:35:37 > 0:35:39Yeah, it's not squat, like it was.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42- So, do you approve?- Yeah, very much.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45I have got it up for sale. I haven't sold it yet.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48But I think it should sell and I should make profit on it for you.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50- Great.- So, as soon as I've done that,
0:35:50 > 0:35:51I'll be back in touch with some money.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Excellent. Thanks, yeah. Thanks for doing that.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56It's an absolute pleasure. I'll be back in touch...
0:35:56 > 0:35:57- OK, Sarah.- ..when there's money.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00And thank you ever so much for letting me come and see you today.
0:36:00 > 0:36:01No problem, thanks.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- Bye!- Right, bye-bye now, yeah.
0:36:05 > 0:36:10Norman came in on budget at £295.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14But without a sale yet, Sarah's facing a potential loss.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16However, with a bit more time,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19I'd like to think the cabinet will find a new home.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23And Sarah can be back in touch with Mike to hand over the profit.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33With two transformations now done and dusted,
0:36:33 > 0:36:37Sarah's returned to Margate to see if Rupert will make it three.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41I really enjoyed this one, it was great.
0:36:41 > 0:36:42I really hope she likes this,
0:36:42 > 0:36:45but I'm not really bothered if she doesn't,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48because I'd happily keep it for myself.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50Well, I'm back in Margate to see what Rupert did
0:36:50 > 0:36:52with those bits of old bench that I dropped off.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55They were a beautiful pair of ends but nothing in the middle,
0:36:55 > 0:36:58so I'm hoping he's filled that gap with something really stylish.
0:37:00 > 0:37:05When Sarah saved them, the old bench ends had nowhere to go but the tip.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12But now...just look at them!
0:37:12 > 0:37:16They are part of a beautiful bespoke bench.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18The ends themselves have been restored
0:37:18 > 0:37:21and the layers of paint completely removed,
0:37:21 > 0:37:23though sandblasting was required to banish it.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28All revealing some stunning, intricate detail.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32The seat has been created using teak timber,
0:37:32 > 0:37:35and the backrest is a work of genius on its own.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39It has a purpose-built frame of reclaimed iron,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42onto which is mounted an old advertising sign
0:37:42 > 0:37:44dug up from a garden.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46It's unique, but what will Sarah think?
0:37:48 > 0:37:53- Hey!- Hey, Sarah, you caught me sitting down on the job.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57- So...- Oh, my word. - Just about ready for you.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59And I'm pretty happy with it.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01I think it's lovely.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03Look at that sign on it.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- Beautiful.- It's a heavy piece.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09But I think I'm glad you brought me these bench ends.
0:38:09 > 0:38:10They have really cleaned up.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13They've got so much more detail on them, haven't they?
0:38:13 > 0:38:14They are, they're really great,
0:38:14 > 0:38:16but the were layers and layers of paint,
0:38:16 > 0:38:18they were so stubborn. They did not want to come off.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21So, in the end, I actually had them sandblasted.
0:38:21 > 0:38:22Right.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25And on the back, I've made a frame out of some old metalwork
0:38:25 > 0:38:26which came from the scrapyard.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29It was covered in layers of rust.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32I sanded all of that back and gave the metal the same finish.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34The new metal that I've put on it,
0:38:34 > 0:38:36I've given the same finish as the old metal,
0:38:36 > 0:38:39the cast-iron bench ends that you brought me.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43And I've used solid teak on the base and on the back.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46And obviously, the backrest is an old advertising sign,
0:38:46 > 0:38:49so it was a bit of task making this one.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53But I'd happily keep it if you don't want it, Sarah.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55I'm afraid I'll have to relieve you of it,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58cos I think this is going to go on and find a new home really quickly.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01It's such a strong piece of styling.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04So, how much has all of that cost?
0:39:04 > 0:39:05I did go a little bit over budget,
0:39:05 > 0:39:09because the sandblasting had to be done in the end,
0:39:09 > 0:39:11it did cost an additional £60.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13So, it's 260, all in.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15I definitely think I'm going to be seeing profit on that,
0:39:15 > 0:39:17it's a lovely piece. Thank you so much for doing it.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20- Thank you. See you.- Bye!
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Well done, Rupert. I think she liked it.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Well, I could have been picking up
0:39:28 > 0:39:30a traditional, industrial-looking bench.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33But what Rupert has created, well, that's unique.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Yeah, Sarah might not even get this one.
0:39:37 > 0:39:38I might keep hold of this.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42I could fit this at home, definitely.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47When Sarah met up with Tom at the Altrincham tip,
0:39:47 > 0:39:50his heavy metal caught her eye.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52Are they the old bench ends, are they?
0:39:52 > 0:39:54They're old Victorian bench ends, actually.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57The bench ends had originally belonged to Tom.
0:39:58 > 0:39:59How long have you had those, then?
0:39:59 > 0:40:02In my garden, I've left them there about
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- two and a half, three years now. - OK.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Giving them a new lease of life was an exciting prospect.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13I'm certainly looking forward to seeing what it becomes
0:40:13 > 0:40:17and exactly what they've done with them, you know what I mean?
0:40:17 > 0:40:20Well, Tom, I don't think you'll be disappointed
0:40:20 > 0:40:23when you see this bodacious beauty of a bench.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29Sarah included the bench at her barn sale at home.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33And amongst those casting admiring glances were Susan and William.
0:40:33 > 0:40:38It's very different. And it will fit exactly in the place
0:40:38 > 0:40:42that we want a bench back at home.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44Never one to miss an opportunity,
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Sarah was quick to accept William's offer.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50And it wasn't long before the bench was heading for a new home.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55Now, Sarah has headed to Sale, just outside Manchester,
0:40:55 > 0:40:59to show Tom what became of his bench ends, and hand over the profit.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05- Hello!- Hi, hello.- How are you?
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- I'm fine, how are you? - Nice to see you, Tom.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- Nice to see you. - I said I'd to come and find you.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Because you dropped off something amazing at the tip.
0:41:14 > 0:41:20Right, and so, I really couldn't think of what you'd do with it.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22It was heavy, I know that. Really heavy.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Yeah, they were such useful, beautiful, chunky things,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27we decided we'd make a bench out of them.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29In fact, we went to Margate,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32where I work with a fantastic guy called Rupert.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35I've got some pictures here to show you what he actually did.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37- Are you ready?- Yeah.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39- Is that a surprise?- Unbelievable.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41I love this Sunlight Soap thing.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43I think it's absolutely beautiful,
0:41:43 > 0:41:44I think you've done a tremendous job.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46You know, it's nice to see something like that,
0:41:46 > 0:41:48because, I mean, what was I going to do?
0:41:48 > 0:41:50Just throw them, wasn't I?
0:41:50 > 0:41:53I actually took it home and had a barn sale
0:41:53 > 0:41:55where I invited lots of people to come along and have a look at it.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58And a lovely couple just fell in love with it.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00They bought it for their sitting room,
0:42:00 > 0:42:01it's never going outside again.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04And I have got £135 here.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- Right.- For your old bench ends, that's for you.
0:42:07 > 0:42:08That's fantastic.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11That's fantastic, it was worth going to the tip that day.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14- What might you do with it? - Well, to be honest with you,
0:42:14 > 0:42:16I'm going to do my own garden in the back and everything.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18I mean, because I'm retired now,
0:42:18 > 0:42:21so the thing is, I'd like somewhere to sit.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24And I've got a granddaughter as well, help out a little bit.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27Your old garden bench is going to refurbish this garden,
0:42:27 > 0:42:28that couldn't be better, could it?
0:42:28 > 0:42:30No, it couldn't be. My granddaughter will be happy,
0:42:30 > 0:42:32she can get them nails done that she wants to do, or something.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34- Oh, you're a softie, aren't you? - I am, yeah.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36Brilliant, thank you so much.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38- And thank you, Sarah. - It's really good to catch up.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41- Absolute pleasure. - Thank you.- Bye-bye.- Bye-bye.
0:42:41 > 0:42:46Rupert's total costs for making the bench came to £260.
0:42:46 > 0:42:52Sarah sold it at her barn sale for a cracking £395,
0:42:52 > 0:42:58leaving Tom £135 to do up his garden and treat his granddaughter.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08Sarah salvaged three items from the Altrincham tip.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11Norman worked on the old display cabinet,
0:43:11 > 0:43:15Rupert revived the old cast-iron bench ends,
0:43:15 > 0:43:18and Sarah aced her mannequin project.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21Well, another three fantastic transformations
0:43:21 > 0:43:24and the chance to hand back some money for nothing too.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28Just goes to show there really is treasure to be found at the tip.