0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hello. I'm Eric Knowles and this is what this programme is all about.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07Could it be restored? And more importantly, should it be restored?
0:00:07 > 0:00:12And if so, could it make you some money should you take it to auction?
0:00:12 > 0:00:15We'll find out on Restoration Roadshow.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23Welcome to magnificent Burghley House,
0:00:23 > 0:00:28home to successive generations for over 450 years.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32It's 100-plus rooms, from Tudor kitchens to Baroque masterpieces,
0:00:32 > 0:00:37are full of priceless heirlooms. And the good people of Lincolnshire
0:00:37 > 0:00:39have brought along their own treasures today.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43We've got all sorts of battered antique in need of surgery.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Everyone wants to know how valuable their items are.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Your painting may be worth in the region of £5,000.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Are they worth cleaning up and restoring?
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- We have had a valuer look at it. - Yes.- He said £300 to £400.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- Wow.- Will they end up back home?
0:01:01 > 0:01:05She would never have parted with it, so I don't want to now, you see.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08'Or make some money if they go to auction?'
0:01:08 > 0:01:11At £360 and...
0:01:11 > 0:01:15'Coming up - an early 20th century oil painting needs cheering up,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17'but I know just the person for the job.'
0:01:17 > 0:01:22She's the James Herriott of the Restoration Roadshow.
0:01:22 > 0:01:28A stunning Victorian music cabinet in need of help has our restorer waxing lyrical.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30It's a nice piece, it's got lovely decorations.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34Nice brass work. It deserves to have a bit of life put back into it.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37And we reel in a very curious catch.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41I wonder how many people watching this programme will realise exactly what they are?
0:01:44 > 0:01:48We've pulled the antiques by the trolley-load today
0:01:48 > 0:01:51and our expert restorers are already busy doing the rounds.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- It's seen some life, hasn't it? - Oh, yes.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57'One item I'm keen to get a full patient history on is this charming
0:01:57 > 0:02:01'20th century oil painting brought in by owner, Graham Sawfleet.'
0:02:01 > 0:02:05How long has this faithful friend been in your family?
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Since just after the First World War.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10How long have you had him?
0:02:10 > 0:02:16- Since 1962. 47 years?- OK. And was he ever in a frame?
0:02:16 > 0:02:21I mean, in this state, it begs the question was he ever framed?
0:02:21 > 0:02:25The only frame I know of it has been the dust around it.
0:02:25 > 0:02:26HE LAUGHS
0:02:26 > 0:02:31It's obviously been rolled up at some stage, hasn't it? It goes without saying.
0:02:31 > 0:02:3347 years it's been rolled up!
0:02:33 > 0:02:37Really? It's a bit sad, really, because it's not a bad painting.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42I mean, I see there's a signature down here as well. For...
0:02:42 > 0:02:46"F Daws." I know his pedigree, if you'll pardon the pun.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50I know that he was at the School of Art, the Lambeth School Of Art.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54But he's probably better known for his dog sculptures.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58Frederick Daws designed some of Royal Doulton's best selling ceramic dogs in the 1930s
0:02:58 > 0:03:03and gave this painting to Graham's father, a fellow-student at Lambeth School Of Art.
0:03:03 > 0:03:10If I was to put a value on this today, I would say even in this state, it's got to be worth £300.
0:03:10 > 0:03:11Maybe £400.
0:03:11 > 0:03:18There's an awful lot needs to be done to this dog to bring him back to anywhere near his old self.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Looks like a search and rescue mission for our painting restorer.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26Lucia Scalisi was painting conservator at the V&A
0:03:26 > 0:03:29before setting up on her own and has worked on everything,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32from Picassos to priceless Holbein portraits.
0:03:32 > 0:03:39I realise that St Bernard dogs are well known for rescuing people.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42But I think we've got a role reversal here, Lucia.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Can you rescue the St Bernard dog?
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Actually, roll is the word. This painting's been rolled up,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51which is not the best thing for canvas paintings at all,
0:03:51 > 0:03:53because the paint surface is actually quite fragile.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57But if they do have to be rolled up, the best way to do it is to have
0:03:57 > 0:03:59the actual painting on the outside,
0:03:59 > 0:04:03because paint stretches more and better than it contracts.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07You've had this rolled up on the inside and it makes the cracking even worse.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10That aside, the canvas is actually in quite good condition
0:04:10 > 0:04:13from the point of view that it's still quite a strong canvas, it's not brittle.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18It has been on a stretcher and what you see at the edges are the stretcher bar marks where
0:04:18 > 0:04:23the canvas has been stretched around a wooden stretcher and it needs to be put back on a stretcher.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27But before we can do that, because the stretcher puts it under tension,
0:04:27 > 0:04:32we would really have to consolidate the paint there, otherwise it will start peeling off.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36And the amount of work that will go into that, it's quite considerable,
0:04:36 > 0:04:42so we're talking about a price of around, sort of, £380 to £420.
0:04:42 > 0:04:48Add on the cost of fixing it to a new stretcher frame and Graham is looking at £600 to £700 in total.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53But once restored, I would expect this lovable old mutt to be worth a bob or two.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57The thing is, people love dogs.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01There is no shortage of buyers of dogs.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05So, something you are thinking of going with?
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- Yes, I think so.- Yep?- I think I would like to have it restored properly.- OK.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14Graham is looking to sell the painting at auction, where it could fetch in excess of £1,000.
0:05:14 > 0:05:20And then, if you sell it, I mean, have you got something in mind to do with the money?
0:05:20 > 0:05:22I've got a big birthday coming up
0:05:22 > 0:05:24and I think I might spend it on that.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Have a bob or two and enjoy it.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29OK. Excellent. All right.
0:05:30 > 0:05:35As it is, this dog-eared oil painting is only worth £300 to £400.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40Lucia is going to repair the surface and stretch it over a new frame for £600 to £700,
0:05:40 > 0:05:44which could see our signed St Bernard fetch £1,000 or more at auction.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48And help Graham celebrate his birthday in style.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52But 47 years curled up has left Fido in a sorry state.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57Can Lucia nurse this old dog back to health and help him find a new home?
0:05:58 > 0:06:02Our restorers' skills are really being tested today by all sorts of wonderful objects.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Some are neglected heirlooms passed down through generations,
0:06:05 > 0:06:10or treasured personal possessions with sentimental value.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12It'll be a labour of love and I want to keep it.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17While others have been rescued from second-hand shops, house sales, even the bin.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Next on our patient list is this Victorian ebonised cabinet
0:06:21 > 0:06:23picked up at an antique shop.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27It was a superb steal, but it has had a rough old ride in life
0:06:27 > 0:06:32and owner, Iona Beckett, is here to see if, between us, we can give it a second chance.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36A job for furniture restorer, Rod Titian, who specialises in gilding and lacquering
0:06:36 > 0:06:40and has worked at Kew Palace and the Queen's house in Greenwich.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Well, this is a really interesting piece that you've brought here today.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Can you tell me something about it?
0:06:46 > 0:06:51Yes. I found it in a sort of antiquey place in Glasgow.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54At that time my daughter was a music student
0:06:54 > 0:06:57and I was looking for something for her to keep all her music in.
0:06:57 > 0:07:02And it caught my eye because of the lovely detail of the lyre.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- Exactly. The musical element?- Yes.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Music was a popular home entertainment in Victorian times
0:07:08 > 0:07:12and most middle-class homes would have had a cabinet to store sheet music in.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14But this one is looking a bit off-key.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16One thing which I hadn't realised was that
0:07:16 > 0:07:20at some point there must have been a little rail around the top.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Yes, a gallery, I would have thought.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25I thought the same, a little gallery that maybe had little flutes.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30Yes. And they look as if they have been, I don't know, filled with putty or something.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32Very badly filled, unfortunately.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37Yes, there is potentially a fair bit of work that could be done to bring it back to life again.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42I can see straight away that there's a moulding missing here. The moulding is loose there.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44There is a little bit of...
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Much of it is raised in a couple of areas.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50Options here really are, if you are thinking of keeping it
0:07:50 > 0:07:56and you were to put it back to a happy condition, you're looking at probably about £400.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59The minimum that I would say we would need to do would be
0:07:59 > 0:08:02to put back the moulding and I would say do the top as well.
0:08:02 > 0:08:08If that is the case, I would say in the region of about £140 to do that.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10So, a big difference between the two.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13If I can ask you how much you paid for it? If you don't mind.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- £40.- Well, that's not bad, then. OK.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20I think your £40 hasn't done badly, to be honest, because our valuers on
0:08:20 > 0:08:24the show here have actually looked at it and they're putting it in
0:08:24 > 0:08:26at the moment at about £120 as it is.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30But if it were to be done up, you're looking at about £200.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34The difference there is obviously if you're doing it for yourself, you're
0:08:34 > 0:08:39going to be going over and above the actual value of the piece itself.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43So any restoration is going to be for purely sentimental reasons.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45I think I would like it cleaned up.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- And I think we might want to keep it.- Right, OK.
0:08:48 > 0:08:53But there is always a sort of limit on spending too much on it.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57So, we are going to go with the £140 option
0:08:57 > 0:09:00and for that we will bring the top nicely back up again.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04Give it a little bit of life, just by finishing it off with wax at the end.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08So the whole thing will come up looking a lot more desirable.
0:09:08 > 0:09:13Because already it's a nice piece, it's got lovely decoration with regards to the marquetry.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17The nice filigree brass work as well.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20So it deserves to have a little bit of life put back into it.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25In its current state, this Victorian music cabinet could fetch £120 at auction.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29Rod is going to try and make it sing again for £140,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32which could nudge it up to a £200 price tag.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34But Iona is not looking to sell.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38She wants to restore this ornate cabinet and pass it down the generations.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43So, can Rod's virtuosity help it hit the high notes again?
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Nothing warms my heart more than ceramics
0:09:46 > 0:09:49and we have seen a fair few poorly pieces today.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52That's a good, clean break, isn't it?
0:09:52 > 0:09:55But these specimens have to be the oddest yet.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Owner, Gerald Wiebkin, has over 200 in his collection.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01Any ideas yet?
0:10:01 > 0:10:05Ceramics restorer, Roger Hawkins, is one of the best in the business
0:10:05 > 0:10:10and is probably more used to working on priceless Meissen vases than curious creatures like these.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Well, aren't these fabulous items?
0:10:14 > 0:10:17I wonder how many people actually watching this programme
0:10:17 > 0:10:19will realise exactly what they are?
0:10:19 > 0:10:21They really are fun.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25So, you tell me what they are and where you got them from.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27They're stone hot-water bottles.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33I bought these particular ones on the internet.
0:10:33 > 0:10:38But I have a collection of somewhat over 200.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41That sounds impressive!
0:10:41 > 0:10:43I believe they're English, although there is some suspicion
0:10:43 > 0:10:45that they might possibly be European.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48Well, you were right first time, Gerald. These are English,
0:10:48 > 0:10:52produced in Derbyshire by the world famous Denby Pottery,
0:10:52 > 0:10:57and typical of the brightly coloured pieces they became known for in the 1920s.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- A little bit of damage on them.- Yes.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05The term fish-and-chips springs to mind! You have the chip here, which
0:11:05 > 0:11:10is certainly the most unsightly of the damage I can see.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Little nibbles all over.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Is it possible to colour the stopper?
0:11:17 > 0:11:20I think so, yes. I think I can do that.
0:11:20 > 0:11:26Once Roger has resuscitated this colourful pair, they could make £250 to £300 each.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29But how much will it cost to restore them?
0:11:29 > 0:11:33I think, with your agreement of spending around £150,
0:11:33 > 0:11:36having those chips repaired so they no longer
0:11:36 > 0:11:38become fish and chips, just fish,
0:11:38 > 0:11:43and colour in the stopper, I think we can reinstate the value.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45So you're happy to go ahead on that basis?
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Yes, that would be lovely, yes.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50They would be wonderful for my collection.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54In this condition, each hot-water bottle could fetch £40 to £80.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58Roger is charging £150 to fix the chips and colour the stopper.
0:11:58 > 0:12:03And once restored, these fish could net £250 to £300 each.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06But this treasured pair won't be swimming off to auction.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Once restored, they will be taking pride of place in
0:12:08 > 0:12:13Gerald's collection, assuming Roger can make them prize specimens again.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20Coming up - that Frederick Daws oil painting has an eye-opening surprise for Lucia.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24There is something else underneath and I can't work out what it is.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28'And will our St Bernard find a new owner when he's unleashed at auction?'
0:12:28 > 0:12:30£500, I start the bidding.
0:12:33 > 0:12:39Our restorers are on a mission to revive and rejuvenate your worn-out lifeless antiques.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43But imagine looking after treasures on this grand scale.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48Built in the 16th century by Queen Elizabeth's Treasurer, Sir William Cecil,
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Burghley has amassed an amazing collection over the last 450 years.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Now looked after by the very, very great granddaughter
0:12:55 > 0:12:58of the first Lord Burghley, Miranda Rock.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02One of my principal roles here at Burghley is care of the works of art.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Obviously there is a balance to be struck between making things
0:13:05 > 0:13:08accessible for visitors and making sure they are well protected,
0:13:08 > 0:13:12and the constant programme of conservation that we agree at the start of each year.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16And when it comes to conservation, be it paintings,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19furniture or the house itself, Burghley is in safe hands.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25We are very fortunate to have the space and, instigated by my parents,
0:13:25 > 0:13:29the opportunity to house a group of very expert restorers.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31It has been very supportive to the house.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35The first person to come here was probably Mike Cowell, who is a picture conservator,
0:13:35 > 0:13:41and he has obviously worked extensively on the collection over the last 20 or so years.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44We can now call on a furniture restorer if a piece of veneer
0:13:44 > 0:13:47falls off and it's stuck on by the end of the afternoon.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Similar with tapestries. There is a silversmith.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53We have a blacksmith now, which is wonderful.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56It has been hugely successful and I hope it continues for a long time.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01We couldn't resist tapping up Burghley's gold and silversmith, Barry Witmond,
0:14:01 > 0:14:03for a bit of advice on this next piece.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07With an incredible 40 years' experience, he should be able to shed some light on this
0:14:07 > 0:14:11glamorous 19th century French clock acquired by Mick Beech.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14What can you tell me about this clock that you've brought?
0:14:14 > 0:14:18Well, I originally took it in part-exchange for a car that I sold.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- What car was it? - It was a very old Ford Escort.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- Not as old as this.- No.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26The gentleman couldn't afford the final payment on the car,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30so he said, "Would you take my clock as a final payment?"
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- Well, I think you did very well. - But all that glitters isn't gold.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38This is a French Ormolu clock, that's bronze with a thin layer of gold on the surface,
0:14:38 > 0:14:40and it has seen some tough times.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45The cost to restore this, I feel,
0:14:45 > 0:14:48would not get your money back.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51It has already cost Mick £250.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56It would cost £200 to repair and only fetch £250 to £500 at auction.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59So it's a classic case of when not to restore.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02And Mick is going to keep it.
0:15:02 > 0:15:03If this is working, enjoy it.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05Or if you wish to sell it...
0:15:07 > 0:15:09then you'll still be in pocket.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11The fact that you swapped it for an Escort,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14I think this is a better deal!
0:15:14 > 0:15:15THEY LAUGH
0:15:15 > 0:15:19The car is no longer running!
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Back in intensive care, our restorers are patching up
0:15:22 > 0:15:25today's casualties using a good dose of elbow grease.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29As you can see, this is more involving than if I just had to clean and wax it.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34Everything from this morning's clinic that can and should be restored is undergoing surgery.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37But sometimes a more controlled environment is needed.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41Remember that loveable St Bernard rolled up for 47 years?
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Well, Lucia couldn't risk losing any more of that paintwork on-site,
0:15:44 > 0:15:48so has taken it back to her studio for some delicate treatment.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50But this dog is guarding a secret.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Do you see this sort of green paint which is underneath this?
0:15:54 > 0:15:59The underneath paint layer, which is nothing to do with this dog at all.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03Whether that is a completely different painting or whether it is
0:16:03 > 0:16:07just the artist preparing the canvas or whatever, I actually don't know.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Canvases were pricey, so many artists reused them,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13covering one painting with another to save money.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Whatever is hiding behind our St Bernard has forced
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Lucia to use synthetic rather than traditional water-based filler,
0:16:19 > 0:16:21which won't work on oil paint.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- And talking of fillings... - I use a dental tool.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29The end of it is like a little miniature spatula,
0:16:29 > 0:16:32and it actually is very thin and quite flexible.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37And this is what I use to actually start filling the losses.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39And there are hundreds of cavities.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43All these teeny, tiny losses have to be filled. Every single one.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45And this is the easy bit, apparently.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50Next, she has to emulate the original brushstrokes and that's before retouching.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54Once the gesso fillings are dry, then I'll have a look at the surface again and start
0:16:54 > 0:17:00working on it again with the gesso to naturally put some texture in the surface, where it needs it.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04Because we don't want smooth, flat fillings because they'll just show up.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07And as you can see, there are quite a lot of losses on this,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10so it's going to take me quite a few hours to do them all.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Someone else putting in a tireless performance
0:17:14 > 0:17:16is furniture restorer, Rod Titian.
0:17:16 > 0:17:22He has been working on that charming music cabinet, brought into Burghley with badly-filled holes.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25He couldn't treat it on-site, so he took it back to his workshop,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28where he has a special glue to make a hand-made filler.
0:17:28 > 0:17:33It's based on traditional recipes that were made up around the 15th century.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38I'm going to pour a section of that into the gesso powder.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42And just turn it around to pick up the actual gesso itself.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45So you can see, it's starting to stick to the solution that I put in.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48I'll just pop that into my hand.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50And mix it around.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54Turned grey with a touch of watercolour, he gently applies it
0:17:54 > 0:17:55on top of the old filler.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01When you're filling, you need to make sure that the surface
0:18:01 > 0:18:03is as flat as possible.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Now flush, the repairs to the top won't be as noticeable.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08But this is just the overture.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10When you're trying to match colours,
0:18:10 > 0:18:15you need to be conscious that obviously a black is never a black.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19It could be slightly redder, slightly colder, slightly more ambery.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22The colour here is quite cold.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24It hasn't got a rich kind of black coming off it.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26It's quite a deep black.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Rod's a maestro but he will need all his years of experience
0:18:29 > 0:18:32to match the original ebonised finish.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37Roger has been busy colour matching, too. He had to take the Denby stoneware
0:18:37 > 0:18:41hot-water bottles back to his studio to rid them of their chips.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44I've decided to fill the chip with this
0:18:44 > 0:18:46epoxy resin filling material.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48And I've coloured it a little pinky
0:18:48 > 0:18:52to help match the surrounding colour.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57It's something I like doing because it helps the painting process.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01It makes my first layer of paint blend in very, very well.
0:19:01 > 0:19:07And I'm...rubbing it down with this wet and dry paper.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12There are very, very fine polishing cloths we use, but I also cut them
0:19:12 > 0:19:16in various widths so that when I'm rubbing down,
0:19:16 > 0:19:20I'm only rubbing down the actual area of the chip itself.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23If I use a larger piece of paper, such as this,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26I might, although I'm rubbing down the filler, I might be
0:19:26 > 0:19:30rubbing down and scratching the glaze at the same time.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34You really need a skilful eye to make such delicate repairs.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38We just have to make sure that the filler is absolutely level
0:19:38 > 0:19:41with the surface and there is no dips.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43In fact, this little piece, there is an area here
0:19:43 > 0:19:46where I haven't put quite enough on,
0:19:46 > 0:19:48and I can feel the dip
0:19:48 > 0:19:50from there to there.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53So I've got to put a little more of the filler on there, just to build
0:19:53 > 0:19:58it up a little bit and then sand it back again to perfection.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03So that that filler thinks it's part of the tailfin.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06And not until then will it be ready for painting.
0:20:06 > 0:20:12It's precision stuff and Roger won't settle for anything but the best for these beauties.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16They really are an amazing thing. Imagine pulling back your bedcovers
0:20:16 > 0:20:19and finding a pink cod on your sheets.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23Particularly if you didn't know it was there. That would raise a laugh, wouldn't it?
0:20:23 > 0:20:25'You're right there, Roger.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28'And we've certainly had a few here at Burghley today,
0:20:28 > 0:20:31'where our Restoration Roadshow is sadly drawing to a close.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34'It's been a wonderful day and, thanks to our team of restorers,
0:20:34 > 0:20:37'a whole host of worn-out treasures will live to see another one.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41'Some are going home, like that charming Victorian lyre cabinet,
0:20:41 > 0:20:45'and those quirky Denby hot water bottles.'
0:20:45 > 0:20:47I've seen a few hot water bottles in my time,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50but I've never seen one shaped like a fish.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55While others are off to auction, like that Frederick Daws oil painting.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Hopefully, it will charm its way to a good price.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02Come on, it's worth more 700. We know it's worth more than that.
0:21:02 > 0:21:08But first, my favourite bit. It's time to reunite our anxious owners with their precious heirlooms.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- In anticipation!- Remember that shabby Victorian music cabinet?
0:21:12 > 0:21:16When we first saw it back at Burghley, it looked more rock'n'roll than classical.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19And Rod has had his work cut out resurfacing the top.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23Time to see if all his hard work has paid off.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25There we go.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32That's not only a restoration, it's a transformation!
0:21:32 > 0:21:34Well, I'm glad.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36I'm absolutely delighted. Absolutely delighted.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38It has an elegance.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41It does! It's a nice, elegant, ebonised piece of furniture.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Before, this ebonised cabinet was spotted with old filler,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48had scuffed corners and missing mouldings.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Now, with its scars filled, sanded and polished,
0:21:50 > 0:21:53it's a musical masterpiece again.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- I'm more than thrilled. - Brilliant, I'm glad.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58That is always the best reaction for me.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01A bit of a pause at the beginning and it had me worried.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04HE LAUGHS
0:22:04 > 0:22:08I think I was a bit speechless, a bit taken aback.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12Because knowing the condition that it had been in...
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- Yes.- ..And then suddenly seeing it brought back to life.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18It's very nice.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22Brilliant. Well, you're welcome. It's a pleasure, it really is a pleasure.
0:22:22 > 0:22:23What a satisfying result.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27This really is a beautiful piece and, thanks to Iona and Rod,
0:22:27 > 0:22:30it will be enjoyed for generations to come.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35But will Roger's exotic fish be looking a healthy colour, too?
0:22:35 > 0:22:39Owner, Gerald, brought the early 20th century stoneware hot-water bottles along to our
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Restoration Roadshow covered in chips and getting rid of them
0:22:42 > 0:22:45has been a real labour of love for Roger.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- Are you looking forward to this? - I certainly am.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51Oh, it's fantastic!
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- You've done the stopper. - I've done the stopper.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Before, these stoneware hot water bottles were suffering from
0:22:57 > 0:23:01bumps in the night and had stoppers that stuck out like sore thumbs.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05Now, there's only fish and no chips, as Roger promised.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10Colour matched to perfection, this unusual pair can be enjoyed in all their glory.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14So, are you happy with the new colours on the stoppers and how I've matched them up?
0:23:14 > 0:23:18I think they're absolutely marvellous. I think it's really great.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21I should imagine the colours on those was quite difficult to match.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Actually, matching the colour is not that difficult.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27It's actually getting the effect that that colour gives.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32This is a very translucent glaze so you can still see the colour of the pottery underneath.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35That's the difficult part. And on the fin,
0:23:35 > 0:23:42getting the stripes of the colour, getting that effect is tricky.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46It's wonderful because that was quite badly damaged.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50Yes, all that entire surface was just chipped away.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- Terrific. - So, another happy customer?
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Yes, indeed. It's a fantastic result.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- Thank you very much indeed. - A pleasure doing it for you.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Well, Gerald is hooked and so am I.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05These really are quite a catch and will no doubt take pride of place in his collection.
0:24:05 > 0:24:11Fingers crossed the owner of our flaky St Bernard painting is as thrilled with his makeover.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20It's auction day here at the auction house and the 800-plus items listed
0:24:20 > 0:24:23in today's sale have attracted plenty of eager bidders.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26They obviously love their antiques but are they dog-lovers, too?
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Time to find out.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32Remember that Frederick Daws oil painting rolled up for 47 years?
0:24:32 > 0:24:36Well, Lucia has been doggedly filling cracks in its surface
0:24:36 > 0:24:39and I can't wait to see what a difference all the hard work has made.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41And neither can owner, Graham.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43I'm full of excitement, really.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- Are you really?- Yes, I am.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Good. Let's see if we can make you a happy man, Graham.
0:24:48 > 0:24:49Voila!
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Oh, beautiful.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57Look at his face.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03She made a good job of that. A very good job.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06I'm very pleased.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08- You are?- Yeah.
0:25:08 > 0:25:13There's nearly as many tears in his eyes as I've got!
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Before, this tired, early 20th century painting was cracked
0:25:16 > 0:25:19and peeling and left on top of the wardrobe to gather dust.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24Now, with its many holes filled and its colours radiant, this lovable old fellow has been
0:25:24 > 0:25:28given a new lease of life, and it all down to painting expert, Lucia.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- Do you think she has delivered?- Yes.
0:25:31 > 0:25:36She'll be delighted. I'll phone her later and tell her because she'll want to know.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42And what we want to know, of course, is just what the buyers think of it
0:25:42 > 0:25:45out there. I have to say that in its present state,
0:25:45 > 0:25:53I would describe that as a very desirable dog.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Yes. I agree.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57And the robin is not bad as well.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02At first, this neglected painting was worth maybe £300 to £400.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06Lucia rescued it for £695.
0:26:06 > 0:26:11And we estimate it could exceed £1,000 today, given the right buyer.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15Graham doesn't want to re-home his faithful friend for anything less,
0:26:15 > 0:26:16so has put on a £1,000 reserve.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19If you're interested in buying or selling at auction,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22you will have commission and other charges to pay,
0:26:22 > 0:26:24so be sure to check with the auction house.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27Everything that has been restored will be noted in the catalogue,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30like our oil painting, that's next to go under the hammer.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32How is the...
0:26:32 > 0:26:34Thump, thump!
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I could hear something banging! It must be yours.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Mind you, mine's giving you quite a good run for its money.
0:26:40 > 0:26:421636.
0:26:42 > 0:26:47Frederick Thomas Daws, a St Bernard in the kennel, watching a robin.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51Oil on canvas. Frederick Thomas Daws, lot 1636.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56£500, I start the bidding, oil on canvas at £500.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Take 20 anywhere? 520.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01550. 580. 600.
0:27:01 > 0:27:08£600, I'm bid. 20 anywhere? 620. 650, 680. 700.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12At £700.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16Come on, it's worth more than 700. We know it's worth more than that.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Unsold, I'm afraid.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24It looks like you've got yourself a robin and a St Bernard.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29And it goes without saying that you might have wanted them to go,
0:27:29 > 0:27:31but they did not want to leave you.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33They didn't want to leave.
0:27:33 > 0:27:38Well, I realise it's stating the obvious but they just weren't the right buyers in the room today.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42That's auctions for you. Sorry to say. Nothing wrong with the price.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Nothing wrong with the valuation.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47You know, it's worth the money.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49The fish just weren't biting.
0:27:49 > 0:27:54- Never mind.- So, it's going back up to your part of the world.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Any thoughts on where you might be putting it?
0:27:56 > 0:28:00It will go on the wall now, instead of on top of the wardrobe.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04So, Graham and his St Bernard won't be parted just yet.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08And if anything deserved saving, it was this sad old rescue dog.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13And having had him restored, Graham can now enjoy his company for the first time in 47 years.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15That's money well spent in my book.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18So, join us again and see our restorers' skill being put
0:28:18 > 0:28:22to the test and more items being saved and given that second chance
0:28:22 > 0:28:25here on Restoration Roadshow.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:33 > 0:28:35E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk