0:00:02 > 0:00:06Many of us have got the odd antique and collectible at home that might be a bit tired or broken.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10You might have asked yourself whether or not it's going to be worth restoring.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15And if it was, could you then take it to an auction, sell it, and make yourself a bit of money?
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Find out how on Restoration Roadshow.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28We're here at magnificent Chatsworth, in the heart of the Peak District.
0:00:28 > 0:00:34It's the perfect setting for today's Restoration Roadshow and I can't wait to get started.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38By the looks of all the walking wounded already waiting for attention,
0:00:38 > 0:00:41our restorers are going to have their hands full.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- Is it working at the moment at all? - No, it's not.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47What everyone wants to know is how much are their treasures worth?
0:00:47 > 0:00:50Should they be cleaned up and restored?
0:00:50 > 0:00:52£400, maybe £500.
0:00:52 > 0:00:58- And will they be kept... - This is the kind of piece that you could spend a fair bit of money on.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00..or sent to make money at auction?
0:01:02 > 0:01:07Coming up, we give this stunning Victorian writing box some 21st century help...
0:01:07 > 0:01:11This is a laptop, although you won't get on the internet with it.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16..rescue a washed-up Japanese fisherman with beastly problems...
0:01:16 > 0:01:19If we give him the other foot, he can fight the octopus on an even keel.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22..and stumble upon the equivalent of a golden calf.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26This is very, very unusual to get something like this.
0:01:30 > 0:01:35Our restoration surgery is open for business and the patients are already lining up.
0:01:35 > 0:01:4118th century clocks, headless Doulton figurines, someone's even brought in the family china.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45There's nothing I can do with it today, I'd have to take that back to my workshop.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48But there's no time for tea breaks on this programme.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53The first casualty to grab my attention is this beautiful Victorian writing box
0:01:53 > 0:01:57which owners, Malcolm and Patricia, are hoping we can rescue.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Do you have a great sentimental attachment to it?
0:02:00 > 0:02:05It came to us 39, 40 years ago from my great aunt.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08We never really used it for the purpose that it was made.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- We just love it.- Let's have a look inside, because all is revealed.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14Oh, dear, that wasn't a good sound.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- It wasn't.- No, but...
0:02:18 > 0:02:20what have you been doing with it?
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Have you let the children play with it or something?
0:02:22 > 0:02:28No. The children have never touched it. It did have a purple velvet on, didn't it?
0:02:28 > 0:02:33This area here would be for writing your correspondence.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36These empty spaces would have certainly taken inkwells.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39'Portable writing boxes would have been a very familiar item
0:02:39 > 0:02:45'in most Victorian middle-class homes, especially as letters were the fastest way to communicate.
0:02:45 > 0:02:46'This one needs a face-lift.'
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- Now, that's going to cost you some money.- Not to worry.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51I love it when they say that.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- I notice it was your wife that said it.- But it's my money, how's that?
0:02:54 > 0:02:59In its present state it's probably worth about £80 or something, so it's not a huge amount.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02If it was done up, just maybe, worth 150 or two...
0:03:02 > 0:03:04So... You've got a decision here.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06If you're going to spend some money on this
0:03:06 > 0:03:11and then sell it, you're not going to be seeing much in the way of a profit.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13It will never be sold.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- No.- So you see you're not sellers, you're curators, aren't you?
0:03:17 > 0:03:22Furniture restorer Tim Akers has a passion for rejuvenating old furniture.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27From William and Mary walnut side tables to George the Third bookcases.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30It's actually in remarkably good condition.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Can I have a look, I know it's going to fall-out.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38That's lovely. We've got a little bit of inlay missing here.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Very lucky, really, to have got away with such a small amount of damage.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46It needs either a new velvet or a leather.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- I would suggest leather.- Yes, please.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51This is a linen strip across here which actually gives it
0:03:51 > 0:03:53extra strength so you don't wear the leather out.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- I'll try and replace it with another linen strip.- Tell us...
0:03:56 > 0:03:58It's worth spending money on.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00It's a really pretty box. The workmanship in that is fantastic.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03I would say
0:04:03 > 0:04:08about between £120 and £130 plus whatever cost of the leather is.
0:04:08 > 0:04:09OK?
0:04:09 > 0:04:12In total, Tim's charging around £160.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17Hypothetically, the chances are that you would never get your money back.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20But talking to you, that is obviously not the issue.
0:04:20 > 0:04:27OK, So you are saving it for posterity and for future generations, very noble.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31I love it when people go the extra mile to save an antique.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Especially one as attractive as this.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39This wonderful but careworn Victorian writing box could maybe fetch £80 in this condition.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Tim's going to fix it up for £130 plus the cost of the leather.
0:04:43 > 0:04:49Restored, we estimate it could only achieve £150 to £200.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53But this piece has huge sentimental value so it's worth the investment.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56It's high stakes for Tim, too.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Easy with that scalpel.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04Back at antiques A&E, our restorers' healing hands are in high demand.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09The place is littered with sick and injured treasures today, like these 18th century volumes of
0:05:09 > 0:05:15Roman history brought in by Maisey Maudley and her son which, by the looks of it, have been well read.
0:05:15 > 0:05:20A job for paper restorer Louise Drover who has over 20 years' experience,
0:05:20 > 0:05:25spanning London's V&A to Bucharest Museum Of Art And History.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28What can you tell me about these books?
0:05:28 > 0:05:30They belong to my husband.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33He has had them about 40 years.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37He got them when his family were moving from a large house down
0:05:37 > 0:05:40to smaller accommodation, they had to get rid of their books.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43It's a lovely set, isn't it?
0:05:43 > 0:05:48- Tell me how old are the books?- 1768.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50So pretty early, aren't they?
0:05:50 > 0:05:54Lovely condition inside. Lovely paper.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56Hand-made at the time.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00The 10 volumes written by French historian Charles Rollin
0:06:00 > 0:06:03chronicled the foundation of Rome to the Battle of Actium
0:06:03 > 0:06:07As they're over 200 years old, they've acquired a few scars along the way.
0:06:07 > 0:06:13These corners have become knocked and damaged and they tend to de-laminate.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17I would consolidate that with a starch paste.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Makes it very nice and firm and it will hold together nicely.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23In their current state they would be worth around £100.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28But Maisie's keen to sell at auction and wants to know if restoration will up their value.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32I think the work I would do would probably cost,
0:06:32 > 0:06:38just to do some tidying, some surface tidying, about £80.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43If they were worked on, they could be perhaps £200.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46I think we'd be prepared to have them restored.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- OK, we'll see what we can do. - Fantastic.
0:06:50 > 0:06:56In their tattered state, this well-thumbed series could fetch £100.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59Louise is going to tidy up the covers for £80
0:06:59 > 0:07:02which could see them reach £200 at auction.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05But Louise has some heavy studying to do
0:07:05 > 0:07:09before these weighty tomes can march off to auction.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14All manner of weird and wonderful objects turn up on Restoration Roadshow
0:07:14 > 0:07:18and today we've got plenty in need of our specialist attention.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Some just need a bit of spit and polish.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23It's just household dust and dirt, years of it hanging on a wall.
0:07:23 > 0:07:29Others require emergency surgery like this terrified 19th century earthenware fisherman
0:07:29 > 0:07:34and his extremely angry passenger, brought in by Mary Bagley.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36It's a Mayday call for our ceramics guru.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Roger Hawkins knows a thing or two about ceramics.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43With over 30 years' experience, he's one of the country's leading authorities.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47But I suspect he won't have seen many of these before.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50So tell me, how did you acquire this lovely character?
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Lovely little octopus fisherman?
0:07:53 > 0:07:55My grandfather gave him to me.
0:07:55 > 0:08:01He always had a great story that the poor octopus here would really like to be in the sea
0:08:01 > 0:08:06and this horrible fishermen had caught him and then this octopus had put his
0:08:06 > 0:08:11great tentacles around and broken the man's leg and his hand
0:08:11 > 0:08:16- because he desperately wanted to get out of that basket in the back.- He certainly looks like he's in agony.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Did your grandfather tell you anything of his origin and where he came from?
0:08:20 > 0:08:27My grandfather's sister worked out in Hong Kong and she was in a cholera hospital as a nurse.
0:08:27 > 0:08:33He went out to visit her and that's when he brought this chappy back.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37So you don't actually know anything about the figure itself, or really where it came from?
0:08:37 > 0:08:41No, I don't even know whether it's Chinese or Japanese.
0:08:41 > 0:08:49Japanese. Probably around the 1900 period and probably made in a small factory,
0:08:49 > 0:08:54not one of the large factories from Imari or the Satsuma factories
0:08:54 > 0:08:57where they produced a huge range of pottery and porcelain.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02It's sad, with his foot missing like that it does make him disfigured,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05it's not very pleasing to look at, is he?
0:09:05 > 0:09:09Probably the hand and the foot were broken at different times
0:09:09 > 0:09:12and his foot's obviously gone for a walk somewhere else.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17But I could make that foot. I could put that foot pack on properly so that he becomes as good as new.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Did you notice that he's missing something here as well?
0:09:20 > 0:09:22Yes, I don't know what that is.
0:09:22 > 0:09:28That probably would be a little pouch for his money or little tokens.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30- So what's the damage in money terms, Roger?
0:09:30 > 0:09:36The cost of restoration on this would probably, if I had to make that new hand, the foot.
0:09:36 > 0:09:42Probably somewhere around the £300 mark, unfortunately.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- Right.- It's just the amount of time and labour in doing it.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50Sadly, even in perfect condition he probably wouldn't be worth quite that amount of money.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54So probably, if we put him in auction
0:09:54 > 0:09:56he would be...
0:09:56 > 0:10:00probably, let's say between 100 and 150.
0:10:00 > 0:10:06So to spend 300 on him would mean that you have to be
0:10:06 > 0:10:11very, very sentimentally attached to him to spend that money.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14But in my opinion, he's worth doing.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16I'd really love to have him restored.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20I'm amazed you can actually do something like that and make him whole again.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24If we give him the other foot then he'll be able to fight the octopus on an even keel.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27A better chance of winning.
0:10:27 > 0:10:33As he is, this unusual 19th century figure would only be worth around £20 to £30.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Roger's going to get him back on his feet for £300.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41Even then he'd probably only net 100 to 150 at auction
0:10:41 > 0:10:44but it's a sentimental piece and one that owner Mary Bagley
0:10:44 > 0:10:47wants to pass on to future generations.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51Roger's going to have his hands full with this tricky opponent.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57Outside, my restoration A Team are battling away, too,
0:10:57 > 0:11:00suggesting treatments for your antiques and heirlooms.
0:11:00 > 0:11:05Every now and then an object arrives that turns out to be a bit of a special breed.
0:11:05 > 0:11:11Lis Woodehouse has brought in a 19th century oil painting of a short-horned cow.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16One of three, all painted by the same artist, it's in desperate need of restoration.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Our painting restorer is already getting excited.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Lucia Scalisi is no stranger to priceless works of art,
0:11:22 > 0:11:26having restored everything from Holbeins to Picassos,
0:11:26 > 0:11:29and been a conservator at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31How did you come across this?
0:11:31 > 0:11:34It belonged to my mother's grandfather.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37They were farmers, they're from a farming family.
0:11:37 > 0:11:43He entered his cattle at shows and competitions
0:11:43 > 0:11:48and when we sold the farm two years ago and the family home,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51three, the three of them came to light.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55I know that A.M. Gauci is well-known,
0:11:55 > 0:12:00a renowned painter of cattle and farmers always had their prize cattle painted.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03They had their pigs painted and their prize sheep painted
0:12:03 > 0:12:07and it's a whole wonderful sort of era of painting animals.
0:12:07 > 0:12:13Gauci's patrons included Queen Victoria and some of his works are worth thousands of pounds.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17However, this magnificent specimen isn't in prime condition.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21It's got water damage and the water has seeped behind the glass
0:12:21 > 0:12:26which is sitting directly on the painting but the paint layer is stuck to the glass so I'm not really sure
0:12:26 > 0:12:31where we can actually take this from the glass very safely without losing paint.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35It's particularly critical around the signature because that's one area
0:12:35 > 0:12:36that you don't want to lose the paint.
0:12:36 > 0:12:44Sounds risky but Lucia thinks this prized beast and his friends could be worth their weight in gold.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48These are very collectible things and it's very beautifully painted.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50It's also quite unusual for this period.
0:12:50 > 0:12:57They're hard to value so Lucia wants to do her homework before putting a price tag on this herd.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00First she has to tackle lifting that glass.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04A test that could prove her toughest yet.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09Today's Restoration Roadshow has thrown up all sorts of challenges for our team of restorers.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13They're all busily attending to their patients.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17Remember that Victorian writing box in need of some microsurgery?
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Tim's about to replace the intricate missing inlay on the top
0:13:20 > 0:13:25and has cut tiny sections of boxwood, ebony and mahogany to fill in the gaps.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Ridiculously small.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30It's fiddly work at the best of times, let alone in this breeze.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33That's in.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38They're all glued slightly proud so that when the glue is dry
0:13:38 > 0:13:41we then just use a chisel.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45If I wet it, you can see the natural colours of the timbers that I've chosen.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49That will trim down and produce the missing piece of parquetry.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53So I'm pleased that went OK, actually.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Now for the writing leather.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Tim's using wallpaper paste as it's reversible
0:13:58 > 0:14:02and can be wiped off without causing damage.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06The glasses would be a good idea for this so let's go ahead.
0:14:06 > 0:14:13You have to place it equally on top and feel through the leather
0:14:13 > 0:14:16to where the rebate is underneath.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Steady, Tim, mind you don't cut the polished surface underneath.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22I'm just going to check, that's fine.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28There you go.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30That's the leather in place.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34What a crowd pleaser.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Let's hope that Tim's craftsmanship captivates owners Malcolm and Pat
0:14:37 > 0:14:41when they're reunited with their writing box later.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- Are you ready for this? - Oh, yes, please.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47Here you go, here's your box.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54Louise has also been busy, skillfully restoring the Charles Rollin Roman History volumes.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59Popular reading material, judging by their worn covers.
0:14:59 > 0:15:05I'm just re-laminating these corners that have all become very damaged and soft.
0:15:05 > 0:15:13They'll be pasted in between each layer until they're firmly stuck together
0:15:13 > 0:15:18and then I'll just wrap it with this piece of polyester
0:15:18 > 0:15:21and then just a piece of blotting paper
0:15:21 > 0:15:28and a piece of board either side and that will form an nice rigid repair.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31I do that on each of the corners.
0:15:31 > 0:15:38The wheat starch paste Louise is using could stain if she uses too much but she's a dab hand at this.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43It's one of the most common repairs, actually, on books of this age.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46They often have very similar damage.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47Usually it's the corners.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49Perhaps broken heads.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53That's how they're removed from the shelf.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57If Louise didn't fix them, they'd deteriorate and the whole cover could be lost.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00She bandages the repair and gives them all a good polish.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04It's such a minimal amount of this wax is used.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Dip this into the pot and take it off
0:16:06 > 0:16:13and just apply literally very minimal application of wax.
0:16:15 > 0:16:21She might not need much but that wax will protect and bring out the colours in the original covers.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25Let's hope it makes the set more saleable at auction.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28A really nice set of books. Lots and lots of bidding on it.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36Our restorers are cracking along restoring, transforming, revitalising,
0:16:36 > 0:16:40determined to prove what can be achieved when antiques are given a second chance.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44But not everything at Restoration Roadshow needs restoring,
0:16:44 > 0:16:49like this stunning 17th century panel belonging to Alan and Alison Frater.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51I like that. That's quite ancient, isn't it?
0:16:51 > 0:16:55Yes, it's dated 1679.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00So what have we got? We've got this Cavalier and it's all done on silk.
0:17:00 > 0:17:06It was probably produced by a teenage girl using patterns bought from a travelling peddler.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Which could explain that leopard.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Such detailed delicate needle work is highly prized.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14When it comes to the value of something like this, obviously there's a demand.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17And this is big and it's dated.
0:17:17 > 0:17:23I think this would carry an estimate at auction of maybe 12, 14, 1500.
0:17:23 > 0:17:29And it doesn't really need anything in the way of restoration.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34It might be over 300 years old but this treasure is best left well alone.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Will it deteriorate?
0:17:36 > 0:17:38The sad thing is that silk does.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43It's remarkable that it's lasted this length of time.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48If it was mine, I'd kiss it every day I left the house.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53It just goes to show that restoration isn't always the answer.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56But for some items, like our nineteenth-century Japanese figure,
0:17:56 > 0:17:58it's the only option.
0:17:58 > 0:18:04Roger's retreated to his workshop where he has everything he needs to make and fit new limbs.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07It's a long and tense procedure.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11This foot which is now getting its first coat of paint
0:18:11 > 0:18:14I had to make completely from scratch.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16It just wasn't there.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21But fortunately I had this foot that was still in existence -
0:18:21 > 0:18:23although broken off -
0:18:23 > 0:18:28to model from. It had to be done
0:18:28 > 0:18:32to the right style, I couldn't take a mould
0:18:32 > 0:18:35of a right foot to make a left foot, that doesn't work,
0:18:35 > 0:18:38so it all had to be done completely freehand.
0:18:38 > 0:18:45What I had to do was make sure I got the style right and I didn't really know what the hands looked like.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47I mean, what was he doing?
0:18:47 > 0:18:50So there's an element of artistic licence.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55I had the position of the stumps telling me or giving me a clue
0:18:55 > 0:19:01where the hands should be so I've had to try and do these hands
0:19:01 > 0:19:05in an appropriate way that it looks right.
0:19:05 > 0:19:11With the undercoat done, Roger's next challenge is to colour match our fisherman's new body parts.
0:19:11 > 0:19:17By the time he's got the appropriate coats of paint on
0:19:17 > 0:19:21he will become quite a happy little chappy.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23He doesn't look happy at the moment,
0:19:23 > 0:19:25but I wouldn't if I had an octopus around my neck.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33Coming up, Tim's had to battle the elements to get that Victorian writing box finished.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37I lost one piece in the breeze I just put it down and it flew away.
0:19:37 > 0:19:43And Lucia's research into that Gauci painting uncovers some surprise results.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52Louise has been lovingly tending to the war-torn 18th century Roman history series.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56She's worked on all ten volumes, gluing, bandaging and waxing them back to life.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Now it's time to see how they stack up.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03So, finished the books, just here.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06Oh, that's splendid, isn't it?
0:20:06 > 0:20:13- The colours. That is really really...- Happier, really. - They've cleaned nicely.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- They have. Labels have gone down nicely.- You have done really, really well, haven't you, with that?
0:20:17 > 0:20:24Before, these tired old leather covers were tatty and torn, hardly fit to house the Roman Empire.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29Now with their corners strengthened and jackets polished, these spruced-up volumes
0:20:29 > 0:20:31will look imperious on the shelves of any book seller.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33They look really good.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37I managed to reattach the head caps which had broken away.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40And all the corners have been consolidated.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45- That's very good. That's really super. Very pleased with that. - Great, thank you.
0:20:45 > 0:20:51So the Romans are heading off to auction where they should command our bidder's attention.
0:20:51 > 0:20:57But not everyone wants to sell their heirlooms and our next item is staying put.
0:20:57 > 0:21:04Earlier, Malcolm and Pat brought in this exquisite Victorian writing box, falling apart at the seams.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Tim nearly went cross-eyed trying to fix it so I hope all his hard work pays off.
0:21:07 > 0:21:13- It looked very fiddly. - It was extremely fiddly. The breeze didn't help.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17I lost one piece in the breeze. I just put it down and it flew away.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19No.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- Are you ready for this? - Oh, yes.- Yes, please.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24Here you go, here's your box.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- That's fantastic.- Look at that.
0:21:29 > 0:21:37- Isn't it lovely? - I tell you what, I'm blowed if I can see the replacement bits. Can you?
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- No, no.- I know where they were. I couldn't tell you.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Brilliant. Superb.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- That's only half the story. - Yes, it is.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Is it ready to do...
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Open the box.
0:21:50 > 0:21:51And then move it around.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Oh, that's fantastic.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56Oh, it is. Isn't that lovely?
0:21:56 > 0:21:58And then when you do this one you just fold it like that.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01That's wonderful, thank you.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05Before, this neglected Victorian writing box was like a blank page,
0:22:05 > 0:22:09stripped of the wood with chips in its detailed surface.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14Now, with its beautiful pattern complete, glowing woods and leather in place,
0:22:14 > 0:22:17it's the last word in style and elegance.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22So there was a box that we reckoned was worth £80 to £100 or maybe a bit more,
0:22:22 > 0:22:28but I also suggested that it might have been worth up to £250 once it was restored.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30But I've got to be a bit more bullish
0:22:30 > 0:22:36because I think that if I went to a specialist box dealer then...
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- I would see a price tag on that of at least £300 or £400.- Excellent.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42So have you had second thoughts?
0:22:42 > 0:22:46We're not going to do anything with the box, we are going to take it home and treasure it.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Put it where it came from, on the bookshelf, between the books.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52And there it will stay.
0:22:52 > 0:22:58What a rave review. I'd say that was two satisfied customers.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Our restorers have seen and treated all sorts of troubled treasures today.
0:23:01 > 0:23:08Some are going home like that beautiful Victorian writing box and the traumatised Japanese fisherman,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11but can Roger get him back on his feet?
0:23:11 > 0:23:17I couldn't take a mould of the right foot so it's all had to be done completely free hand.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21While the others are of to auction like the Charles Rollin history of Rome books.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Where are those book dealers?
0:23:26 > 0:23:27Come on.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29And it doesn't stop there.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34Remember that water-damaged cow portrait signed by AM Gauci with the paintwork stuck to the glass?
0:23:34 > 0:23:40Well, when Lucia investigated the damage, her suspicions were confirmed.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43The conservation job is a real horror.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44It's not going to lift off.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50If I try to lift this glass off, these areas of paint will just
0:23:50 > 0:23:54come away with the glass and will be lost forever really. Very sad.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58The good news is that after more research she discovered
0:23:58 > 0:24:01the paintings could fetch around £6,000 in their current state.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05And sell for a hefty £15,000 if restored.
0:24:05 > 0:24:11It's a fantastic end to a fabulous day. Let's hope we pull in the pounds at auction, too.
0:24:11 > 0:24:16But first, it's time to catch up with Roger and his Japanese fisherman.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21When we first saw this lovable 19th century figure he'd really taken a beating.
0:24:21 > 0:24:27Roger's had to use every creative bone in his body to give him a fighting chance.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Well, let's have a look at the end result, shall we?
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Oh, Roger.
0:24:36 > 0:24:42He can now fight off the octopus and a lot easier and he can run away now.
0:24:42 > 0:24:47Before this embattled pottery figure had a broken arm and a leg missing.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51Now he's back on his feet with new hands and money to boot,
0:24:51 > 0:24:55this odd couple can be enjoyed for generations to come.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58It's absolutely fantastic.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- You're happy with him? - I'm exceedingly happy.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Thank you very much, Roger.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06It was a pleasure doing it. I really enjoyed working on him.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11In fact I don't want you to take him home, I want to keep him now.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13He's not worth a huge amount in monetary terms
0:25:13 > 0:25:17but he's still in Roger's heart and means the world to owner Mary Bagley,
0:25:17 > 0:25:20having belonged to her grandfather.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23No-one really wanted this but me and I really treasured it all my life
0:25:23 > 0:25:28and I think he'd be pleased that I've done something, restored it and I'll be able to hand it on
0:25:28 > 0:25:30because that's really what I'd like to do.
0:25:30 > 0:25:35Now it's even got another story to tell behind it.
0:25:35 > 0:25:42So I'll let all my children know about Roger and how creative he's been really.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45It's a wonderful foot.
0:25:45 > 0:25:51So, Roger's meticulous modelling has paid off and our fisherman lives to fight another day.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54But will our history books sell at auction?
0:25:59 > 0:26:05Here at Bamford's auction house in Derby, Maisie's 18th century books are hoping to command and conquer.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08There's plenty on show today and lots of eager bidders.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Hopefully we'll find them a new home.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15Remember, if you're interested in buying or selling at auction
0:26:15 > 0:26:19you'll have commission and other charges to pay. Check with the auction house first.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23Everything that's been restored should be noted in the catalogue
0:26:23 > 0:26:26like our books which Louise's given a new lease of life to.
0:26:26 > 0:26:33She tidied them up for £80 and we think they could now fetch £200 at auction.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37But Maisie and Simon are upping the ante with a £400 reserve.
0:26:37 > 0:26:43They're obviously impressed by Louise's repairs as so often happens on Restoration Roadshow.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46But that's double our estimate.
0:26:46 > 0:26:52- Reserve of 400.- 400, so you're of a mind to keep them at that rate?
0:26:52 > 0:26:56- Yeah.- You really are, I think you're pushing your luck there actually.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00Let's watch, wait and see and hope the gods are smiling on you today.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04- Fingers crossed. - Lot 130 is a Charles Rollin
0:27:04 > 0:27:09Roman history and the foundation of Rome to the battle of Actium.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12London 1768, they're a very, very well-known edition.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14There in great condition.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18A really nice set of books. Lots and lots of bidding on it.
0:27:18 > 0:27:24I can start with me at...£370.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26380, do I see in the room first?
0:27:26 > 0:27:29At 370, 380 do I see?
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Where are those book dealers?
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Come on. 390.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37At 390, 400 now.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39Come on,
0:27:39 > 0:27:42where are you, where's that bid?
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Close. Isn't that frustrating?
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Isn't that frustrating?
0:27:46 > 0:27:53I hate to say it but I think obviously if that reserve had been that little bit lower...
0:27:53 > 0:27:54We're overegged it.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57- We don't mind.- You don't mind?
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- Have you read them?- Oh yes.
0:28:00 > 0:28:01Take them to bed every night.
0:28:01 > 0:28:08Oh, really? Oh, right, well, I'll test you later on ancient Rome.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11Well, Maisie's got a lot of swotting up to do now, I can tell you.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14She may not have sold her Roman History series but she did
0:28:14 > 0:28:17place a higher reserve and very nearly made it.
0:28:17 > 0:28:22It just shows what a difference restoration can make and that given a little time, money and expert care
0:28:22 > 0:28:25your old antiques could make you a handsome profit at auction.
0:28:25 > 0:28:30So, until the next time, it's cheerio from Restoration Roadshow.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:37 > 0:28:39E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk