0:00:02 > 0:00:05Hello, I'm Eric Knowles. What lies hidden in your attic
0:00:05 > 0:00:09that's broken, damaged and distressed? Could it be treasure? Could it be transformed?
0:00:09 > 0:00:14Well, we've got the answers, and we've got the experts, here on Restoration Roadshow.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23Welcome to Burghley House in Lincolnshire.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27Over the last 25 years, millions of pounds have been spent on restoration here,
0:00:27 > 0:00:32which makes it a fitting venue for today's Restoration Roadshow.
0:00:32 > 0:00:37There are plenty of people arriving here today with intriguing family treasures.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Everyone's keen to know just how much they're worth.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44As it is, it's a £100 sort of thing, isn't it, really?
0:00:44 > 0:00:47Should they be spruced up and restored?
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- I let the grandchildren play with it. - I like grandchildren, cos they bring me lots of work.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Will they make money at auction...
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- 90 with you. - ..or simply end up back home?
0:00:56 > 0:00:59£800, sold!
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Coming up, a 17th century wine jug finds a big fan.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- I love this. - But its owner isn't so sure.
0:01:07 > 0:01:08I think I like it more than you do.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11Yeah, I'm sure you do!
0:01:11 > 0:01:15And we're hoping this beauty will woo the crowds on auction day.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18- At £50, and 5 now? - A bit more than that.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24Burghley House is over 500 years old.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29It was built for William Cecil, Queen Elizabeth I's trusted adviser.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34With so much history within its walls, Burghley has more than its share of restoration challenges.
0:01:34 > 0:01:40Later on, we'll see how conservators are quite literally piecing its past back together.
0:01:40 > 0:01:45I opened a drawer, and found a wonderful bag of bits, and a box.
0:01:45 > 0:01:52But before that, we have a saying here at Restoration Roadshow - one person's junk is another's treasure.
0:01:52 > 0:01:59'Janet Goodwin can't stand this ugly old broken jug, but to me, this 300-year-old chap is very special.'
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Well, here's a pot with a bit of history to it.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07I'm just intrigued to know which bit of history you can tell me about.
0:02:07 > 0:02:08Not a lot, actually.
0:02:08 > 0:02:16It's always been there in my mother's home, and then when she died, it came to me.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20- Do you know when it was made, where it was made?- I thought it was either Dutch or German.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24Ooh, yes, very good. You're absolutely right.
0:02:24 > 0:02:25It IS German.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30'This jug would have brought German wine to England in the late 17th century.
0:02:30 > 0:02:36'The portrait on the neck is a cheeky swipe at a famous teetotaller of the day.'
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- This face - bit scary, that, isn't it?- It's enough to stop a clock!
0:02:40 > 0:02:44I don't want to be unkind, but that's only a face a mother could love.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49- It is.- But I know who that man is. Do you know who this is?- No.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53Let me tell you. He was a cardinal, and his name was Bellarmine.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58'Ironic - an anti-drinking cardinal giving his name to a wine jug.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02'Who'd have thought there was such a strong sense of humour back then?'
0:03:02 > 0:03:07And is it something you were thinking of moving on, for want of a better expression?
0:03:07 > 0:03:09Probably, yes.
0:03:09 > 0:03:15In its present condition, I think it's somewhere in the region of possibly £600 on a good day.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18'Bellarmine jugs in mint condition can fetch a pretty penny,
0:03:18 > 0:03:22'but this old chap needs a serious facelift if he's going to get a look in.
0:03:22 > 0:03:28'Roger Hawkins is a leading expert in ceramics restoration, with many international clients.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31'Restored or not, he's got a passion for this pot.'
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Come across many of these in your time, Roger?
0:03:34 > 0:03:41I have, yes, indeed, but not always as nice as this, because this I want to take home.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- You do, do you?- I do. I love this.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- But I think I like it more than you do.- Yeah, I'm sure you do!
0:03:49 > 0:03:52No, it's particularly nice. So often, these Bellarmine jugs
0:03:52 > 0:03:55don't have these emblems on the side,
0:03:55 > 0:03:57and the fact that it has this extra glaze,
0:03:57 > 0:04:01that's a good sign of quality, because that would have meant an extra firing.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06It would have been a more expensive piece than the ordinary, common Bellarmine jug.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11The damage, fortunately, is not too severe. It's perfectly restorable.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13The cost of that restoration, approximately?
0:04:13 > 0:04:19The cost, without looking at it under a magnifying glass, I would suspect...
0:04:22 > 0:04:28- 300?- Right. - And that would include cleaning, because it is very, very grubby.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30You're certainly going to get your money back,
0:04:30 > 0:04:36and let's keep our fingers crossed that the world embraces it, not just Roger.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41- Ah!- And we get it into the high hundreds and maybe, with a bit of luck, even a little bit more.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- All right.- OK. You say, "Yes, Eric."
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- Yes, Eric.- That's all I need to hear.
0:04:47 > 0:04:53'He may not be tall, dark and handsome, but he's survived over 300 years of hard living.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58'In his slightly grubby state, we think he's worth £600.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00'Roger will give him the once-over
0:05:00 > 0:05:01'for around about £300,
0:05:01 > 0:05:02'and we're hoping
0:05:02 > 0:05:04'he'll go down well with the bidders
0:05:04 > 0:05:06'for £1,000 at auction.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11'Roger's certainly keen on this pot, but when it comes to auction,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14'will the bidders be thirsting to buy this wonderful old crock?'
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- We'll come back in at £500. - Come on, keep it going.
0:05:17 > 0:05:23'Some of the items we see here on Restoration Roadshow are far more than just decorative.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27'They're a wonderful glimpse into our social history.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30'Craig Benson has brought something special in to show Louise.
0:05:30 > 0:05:36'Paper conservator Louise Drover has worked for the Victoria And Albert Museum and the National Trust.'
0:05:36 > 0:05:39So, how did you come by this poster?
0:05:39 > 0:05:44It was brought into our shop in Stamford by a man who thought I might be interested in buying it.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49Fantastic. It's a really striking piece, isn't it? Lovely, vibrant colours.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53So, do you have any idea what the date is on this poster?
0:05:53 > 0:05:54Nothing specific,
0:05:54 > 0:06:01apart from the fact that the styles of the clothes and the make-up would suggest Second World War era.
0:06:03 > 0:06:10'Spot on, Craig. The poster was designed for Woman's Own magazine, and is dated around 1947,
0:06:10 > 0:06:15'but with its fresh pop art feel, it looks like it could have been made yesterday.'
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Interestingly enough, it's actually printed on linen. It's not paper.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25So that would figure, as there was obviously a shortage of paper during that time.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30'But this cover girl hasn't had any admirers for a long time.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35'Craig has kept her on top of the wardrobe for 15 years - not the best method of preservation.'
0:06:35 > 0:06:40As it's been rolled for some time, it's got this sort of undulation.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43You need to just lightly humidify and flatten it,
0:06:43 > 0:06:47and to keep it nice and flat, it's mainly a mounting technique,
0:06:47 > 0:06:53and I would add a sort of false margin to the edges so that we don't lose any of this image,
0:06:53 > 0:06:58and that would be pulled around in a strainer-type way around a piece of board.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- That would cost in the region of £95 to do.- Would it, now?
0:07:03 > 0:07:06The thing is, though, once that work is done,
0:07:06 > 0:07:11the interesting thing is that this could sell for around £150.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- Oh, right.- So, do you think this is something you might like to go ahead with?
0:07:15 > 0:07:16Yes, I think so.
0:07:16 > 0:07:22It's a shame that something so striking isn't actually out there and being enjoyed by somebody.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27'So, as it is, the poster's worth around about £40-£50.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29'To make it more alluring at auction,
0:07:29 > 0:07:31'Louise will mount it for £95,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34'and we hope it'll bring in £150.
0:07:34 > 0:07:40'But even after a makeover, will she be able to turn on the style at auction?'
0:07:40 > 0:07:41£50 to begin?
0:07:43 > 0:07:48Coming up, this elegant Louis XIV-style desk from the late 1880s
0:07:48 > 0:07:51has taken a few knocks, but is it beyond repair?
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- There's a huge section of brasswork missing there. - Oh, there is, actually.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59And will it be drinks all round when the Bellarmine jug goes to auction?
0:07:59 > 0:08:01At £1,000, somebody?
0:08:05 > 0:08:12'Here at the Restoration Roadshow, our furniture experts are familiar with a very nasty customer.
0:08:12 > 0:08:13'No, it's not woodworm.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17'It's water, wood's number one enemy.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19'It seeps deep into the grain, causing severe staining.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22'Tim Akers is a furniture restorer,
0:08:22 > 0:08:28'working on everything from 300-year-old walnut tables to modest family heirlooms.
0:08:28 > 0:08:29'I like to call him the wood doctor.
0:08:29 > 0:08:35'Val Taylor has brought in a Victorian chest with some heavy scarring.'
0:08:35 > 0:08:37That is really vicious, I have to say.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- I can't imagine what did that, actually.- Probably water.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43I can't guarantee that we can remove that mark.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48- I will only know when I try, so don't expect it to disappear. - What about the other marks?
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Oh, I like that. It's really scars of its age, isn't it?
0:08:51 > 0:08:56It's been well used, well loved, apart from the little bit of accident there.
0:08:56 > 0:09:02'Tim may be able to find a way of getting rid of that hideous mark, but he's hedging his bets.'
0:09:02 > 0:09:06Don't expect it to disappear. If it does, that's absolutely fantastic.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07'Will he work wonders?
0:09:07 > 0:09:09'We'll find out later.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17'It's always a real treat to see an item that reflects the skill of its maker.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22'Our next sickly patient, a Louis XIV-style bureau from the 1880s.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26'In its day, it would have been specially commissioned, and something of a status symbol.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31'Owners Elizabeth and Stuart Smith are hoping to stop its steady decline.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35'Rodrigo Titian is supremely skilled at marquetry and gilding.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39'His clients have included Kew Gardens and the Royal household.'
0:09:39 > 0:09:42I have to thank you for bringing this amazing piece of furniture in.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Look at the colours, look at the work that's involved.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47And how did this come to be in your possession?
0:09:47 > 0:09:53Well, it belonged to my mother, and she bought it off her mother.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- Bought it off her mother?- Yes, yes. - I thought I heard that right.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Yes, that's correct! I don't know what the price was, no idea.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02So, that's what she had to do.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07- I see.- And it was sat there from me being about five or six.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12I remembered it growing up, but when my mother went in hospital...
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Well, she died two months ago. She would never have parted with it,
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- so I don't want to now, because of that.- She had a good eye.
0:10:19 > 0:10:20Yes, she had.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23This is really an amazing example of Boulle work.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27'Boulle work was named after Frenchman Andre Boulle.
0:10:27 > 0:10:34'Developed during Louis XIV's reign in the late 1600s, it was a triumph of artisan techniques of the day.'
0:10:34 > 0:10:38And even though it's a Boulle work revival set around the 1880s,
0:10:38 > 0:10:41it really does show the craftsmanship to the highest quality,
0:10:41 > 0:10:43and in effect, what Boulle work is,
0:10:43 > 0:10:49is just the incising of brassware, the thin brass plate into the tortoiseshell itself.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52There's a huge section of brasswork missing there.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- Oh, there is, actually. - A little bit of lifting there.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00And... Lovely, a lovely piece.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Now, do you have any idea of its value at the moment?
0:11:02 > 0:11:04None whatsoever.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08Its value at the moment, pre-restoration, is about £350-£400.
0:11:08 > 0:11:14- Right.- If it were restored, obviously depending on how far we go with the restoration,
0:11:14 > 0:11:20but a kind of average figure of about £800-£850 value post-restoration.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23'There's a lot of work here, so Rod's got a few choices.'
0:11:23 > 0:11:29The first option, if we were just to do the essential, about £200.
0:11:29 > 0:11:36If we were to do a lot more, whereby we'd replace all the missing areas that are really offending the eye,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39about £800 on top, so a total of £1,000 there.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- We're definitely going to have it restored, aren't we?- Oh, yes.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45And thoughts on the options?
0:11:45 > 0:11:50- Probably the second one, don't you think?- Yes.- Yeah, the second option.
0:11:50 > 0:11:56It's no good going so far, and then thinking, you know, "It could look better."
0:11:56 > 0:12:01'Good on them! The current value of the bureau is £350-£400,
0:12:01 > 0:12:03'and after £1,000 of restoration,
0:12:03 > 0:12:07'it'll be worth £800-£850.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10'It gladdens my heart to see people prepared to dig so deep
0:12:10 > 0:12:14'to preserve this breathtaking piece for future generations.
0:12:14 > 0:12:15'It deserves it.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21'But Boulle work requires the patience of a saint, and the hands of a surgeon.'
0:12:21 > 0:12:25What I don't want to do is to aggravate the actual piece itself.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29Done incorrectly, it can actually completely ruin the piece.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32'Rod's going to take this bureau back to his specialist workshop,
0:12:32 > 0:12:36'where he has all the right tools for this delicate operation.'
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Coming up, don't try this at home, kids.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45Tim tries a radical approach to remove that water stain.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49I've got a jar with some hot water here, and some oxalic acid.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53'And will our funky 1940s fashion poster be enough to turn heads at auction?'
0:12:53 > 0:12:57£55. Any more?
0:13:01 > 0:13:07'At the Restoration Roadshow, we're seeing a wide variety of family heirlooms.'
0:13:07 > 0:13:09How many years has it been in your family?
0:13:09 > 0:13:11Well, in the family, since the '50s.
0:13:11 > 0:13:18'As you can imagine, a fine historic home like Burghley has its collection of family mementos too,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21'just on a slightly grander scale.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25'Over the years, the Lords of Burghley have added to the treasures here.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28'The 9th Earl of Exeter was an enthusiastic grand tourist,
0:13:28 > 0:13:32'and he brought back loads of Italian masterpieces.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36'For renowned English furniture expert and Burghley resident Orlando Rock,
0:13:36 > 0:13:39'the collection is a dream come true.'
0:13:39 > 0:13:41It's a bit like being a child in a sweet shop,
0:13:41 > 0:13:46because there are such incredible riches here, and particularly in the grand tour collecting.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49So, as a study house, Burghley doesn't get any better than that.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54'But sadly, not all of the 9th Earl's souvenirs survived intact.'
0:13:54 > 0:13:55Well, this was a great thing,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Rootling around in the dark nurseries,
0:13:58 > 0:14:02I opened a drawer, and found a wonderful bag of bits, and a box.
0:14:03 > 0:14:08Those bits were from an 18th century frame made out of scagliola.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13A plaster made from marble dust, it can be a nightmare to restore.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17The techniques have moved on, and the abilities of the restorers are fantastic,
0:14:17 > 0:14:21so to see something raised from the dead is exactly what I love to see.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26With infinite care, the restorers were able to piece together the jagged jigsaw puzzle,
0:14:26 > 0:14:29to produce this stunning result.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31I've never, ever seen another one like it anywhere.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35So, I'm not sure if it's unique, but it appears to be so far.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40Quite splendid. The hours lavished on this piece have been time well spent.
0:14:42 > 0:14:48'Back at the Burghley roadshow, we're seeing our own fair share of antique casualties.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53'Remember that huge unsightly water stain on the mahogany chest?'
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- Did you inherit the mark, or... - We inherited the mark.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- So, can't blame you for that. - No, no, no, no. It came as it is!
0:14:59 > 0:15:03'Tim's ready to tackle it. First, he cleans away the polish,
0:15:03 > 0:15:07'and then prepares the surface using methylated spirit.'
0:15:08 > 0:15:15So that's now de-polished in that area and dry, and I've got a jar with some hot water here,
0:15:15 > 0:15:19and some oxalic acid.
0:15:19 > 0:15:20'Tricky stuff, oxalic acid.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22'He's using it to bleach the stain.
0:15:22 > 0:15:28'Too little will leave the mark untouched, but too much will eat into the wood, damaging the top.
0:15:28 > 0:15:34'Acid is highly corrosive, so something like this is best left to the experts.'
0:15:34 > 0:15:37I'm just going to brush it in. With a bit of luck, we'll see some of this...
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Some of this lift.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Go with the grain.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49I can definitely see the stain lightening as I work on it, which is really good.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51It's definitely gone lighter there.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54You can see, I think it's working quite well, actually.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56As it dries, it actually bites in more,
0:15:56 > 0:16:02so if you've got some movement when you first do it, you know you're on to some form of success.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05You can actually paint this on and nothing happens at all.
0:16:05 > 0:16:11'But will Tim's delicate brushwork be enough to banish a century's worth of dirt and staining?
0:16:11 > 0:16:14'In a moment, we'll see if he's passed the acid test.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20'Our restorers have been busy nipping and tucking at today's Restoration Roadshow.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24'But sometimes they need a more controlled environment to finish the job.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28'Remember that Bellarmine jug with a broken neck?
0:16:28 > 0:16:30'Roger has taken it back to his workshop.'
0:16:30 > 0:16:34I've stuck the top back on.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37I have made good the join between the two materials.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39There was a piece here I've put back in.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43His eyebrows here were a little bit chipped.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45I've remodelled that back in.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49My task now is to give it its first coat of paint.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52The jug's covered in a salt glaze.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56When it was fired, the salt was thrown into the kiln, which then vaporized,
0:16:56 > 0:17:00to form this distinctive glaze. Roger's got to match this effect,
0:17:00 > 0:17:02which means working in very careful stages.
0:17:02 > 0:17:07I'm going to paint what needs to be the lightest colour.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09It's no use painting this brown on here.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13I've got to go for this undercoat colour.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16That's the colour I'm going to go for first.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19I'll spray that on, and if I'm happy with it,
0:17:19 > 0:17:24I'll leave it on, and then over that, I can then put the brown colours.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Now, I have to get the undercoat,
0:17:26 > 0:17:30the first coat of paint I put on, absolutely spot on,
0:17:30 > 0:17:33because if that's wrong, then the topcoat will be wrong.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38Roger must also use the right technique to apply the paint.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41Airbrushing best mimics the glaze.
0:17:41 > 0:17:47But will Roger's meticulous work intoxicate the bidders when it comes to auction?
0:17:49 > 0:17:56Remember the 19th century Louis XIV-style desk with all its intricate Boulle work?
0:17:56 > 0:17:59In his workshop, Rod has begun the delicate process of repair.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01This is brass plate.
0:18:01 > 0:18:08We need to actually plot out the design of the section that's missing on here, and then cut this out.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11This is very, very thin, about a hundredth of a millimetre thin.
0:18:11 > 0:18:17So you can actually see, you know, the fact that it really is like paper... Cardboard, if anything.
0:18:17 > 0:18:23Rod sandwiches the wafer-thin brass between two pieces of veneer to help keep it steady.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27So, the way we do this by cutting the shapes out and everything
0:18:27 > 0:18:33are all done in very much the traditional methods that were used 150 to 400 years ago,
0:18:33 > 0:18:35when Boulle work was first evolved.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39Rod then immerses the cut-out in hot water to melt the glue,
0:18:39 > 0:18:42and when he peels away the veneer, hey presto!
0:18:42 > 0:18:45It's all literally... It's cut away so nicely, nice and cleanly.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52So I'm just going to try this in position first, just dry, just to make sure it fits nicely.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55I'm going to have to make a couple of adjustments.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00A little bit of adjusting to do in that section there where it's a little bit proud,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03but generally, that's come out quite nicely. It's quite happy with that.
0:19:03 > 0:19:10Impressive stuff. But it's just the first step in what will be a painstaking labour of love for Rod.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19Louise is back in her workshop too, along with that crinkled linen fashion poster.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21She's mounting it ready for auction.
0:19:21 > 0:19:28Posters were often printed on poor quality paper that fell apart, but linen is really hard-wearing,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31and Louise wants to keep it in tip-top condition.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35But this is the only chance to get it right.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39The reason we wouldn't stick just one sheet to one side
0:19:39 > 0:19:43is that you can get this terrible bowing.
0:19:43 > 0:19:50You would end up with a very warped board, and this way keeps it nice and rigid, which is what you want.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53The next stage is to glue the poster onto the board.
0:19:53 > 0:20:00It might seem like a simple job, but if she gets it wrong, she might damage the artwork.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02I've got to work quite quickly,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05because the adhesive will actually dry,
0:20:05 > 0:20:12and then we can't... You know, if we happen to pitch it wrong, it will actually end up in the wrong place.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16Louise is taking a lot of time and care,
0:20:16 > 0:20:20but will the end result catch the eye of the bidders when it comes to auction?
0:20:23 > 0:20:31Restoration work requires incredible concentration and many lonely hours in the workshop.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34But at the end of the day, it's the result that counts.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37Remember the water-stained Georgian chest?
0:20:37 > 0:20:39Oh, wow! Oh, wow!
0:20:39 > 0:20:41It's come out.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- Thank goodness. - You've managed to get it out.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49Remember the blackened and scarred surface?
0:20:49 > 0:20:53Now it's hard to believe it was ever there.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Fabulous. That's really, really, really lovely.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59What's surprising is you managed to get the mark out.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03You can see where it's eaten into the wood. It's slightly rougher there.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07But that's purely because that's what the water had done, eaten into the timber.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- Oh, it's hugely better.- Brilliant. - Fantastic. Thank you.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15So today's top tip, folks, always protect your wooden surfaces.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Speaking of wood, brass, tortoiseshell, and gilding too -
0:21:21 > 0:21:27Rod's finished work on that Louis XIV-style bureau from the 1880s.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31So let's have a go.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35Oh, that's fantastic.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- That's just amazing, that.- It is.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- Oh, he's cleaned the cherubs.- Yes, I can't believe what it looks like.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Before, the bureau was tired and patchy.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Even the inlay was coming away.
0:21:46 > 0:21:52Inch by careful inch, Rod's re-laid the brass and tortoiseshell.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55I have to say, his efforts have been highly successful.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57There were lots and lots of areas missing.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01There was couple of missing areas of brasswork here we've put back,
0:22:01 > 0:22:03and just literally, you know, if you tapped it along,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07you could see and hear all the raised sections of brasswork.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10So, was it worth parting with £1,000?
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- I think it looks absolutely fantastic.- Brilliant. - I'm really, really pleased.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18I mean, it's been in our family many, many years,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21and hopefully it will stop in the family many, many more years.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27'What a cracking result, but there's more to come.
0:22:27 > 0:22:33'Here's a reminder of the bedraggled bunch of antiques that came to our attention at our Burghley Roadshow,
0:22:33 > 0:22:36'which we'll now be taking to auction.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39'The wrinkled 1940s fashion poster.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44'We're hoping a facelift will help it bring at least £100 at auction.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49'And I've taken a liking to the ugly and ancient Bellarmine jug.
0:22:49 > 0:22:55'It's bursting with character, but will the bidders agree, and pay up to £1,000 after restoration?
0:23:01 > 0:23:06'It's the moment of reckoning here at Thomas Mawer & Sons in Lincoln.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11'The viewing room is full of antique temptations, and we've brought along some treats of our own.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15'Now, do remember that auction houses charge fees and commission,
0:23:15 > 0:23:20'and that everything that's been restored will be noted in the catalogue,
0:23:20 > 0:23:21'like Janet's Bellarmine jug.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24'She wasn't susceptible to his rugged charm before,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28'so what will she think of him after Roger's makeover?'
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Wow! That's amazing.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35It looks lovely, doesn't it?
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- Yes, very good. - It's amazing what's happened to it,
0:23:38 > 0:23:42and the sheen and the colours I think are lovely. You've done very well.
0:23:42 > 0:23:48- Thank you. A little bit different, a little bit neater and tidier than it was last time.- Absolutely!
0:23:48 > 0:23:53'Before, Janet's jug had a nasty chunk missing from the lip and neck.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58'But can you see the mend? I know I can't.'
0:23:58 > 0:24:00It looks as good as the day it was made, doesn't it?
0:24:00 > 0:24:02You've got a reserve on this piece?
0:24:02 > 0:24:04I have. It's £1,200.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- OK. Well, we're hopeful.- Yes.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09We can't offer you any guarantees.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11No. Well, looking at it now, I'd take it home!
0:24:13 > 0:24:16'Oh, Janet, you fickle lady!'
0:24:16 > 0:24:20What did she say before? "Oh, I don't like it. I think I'll sell it."
0:24:20 > 0:24:24- Yes, OK. - Now, it's a different story.
0:24:24 > 0:24:25It is a different story.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28'So, while Janet's fallen in love with her jug,
0:24:28 > 0:24:33'what will Craig make of the crumpled poster that once lived on top of his wardrobe?'
0:24:33 > 0:24:38I'm going to be very gentle with this one, because...
0:24:38 > 0:24:41There it is.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45That is very impressive. It looks a lot better than it did when I brought it in.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49If I was looking at that for the first time, I'd swear that it was contemporary,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53because she's got very much a contemporary face,
0:24:53 > 0:24:58and just the sheer condition. I mean, it looks brand new.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00'Before, the poster was wrinkled.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05'Now fixed flat to a new board, the striking image has a really fresh feel.
0:25:05 > 0:25:11'Louise's handiwork is a big hit with Craig, but will the bidders be equally keen?'
0:25:11 > 0:25:15My hope would be that somebody will give it a good home, and actually put it up on display.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28'First up is the Bellarmine jug which Janet inherited.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30'It cost £300 to restore.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34'Janet has put a high reserve of £1,200 on it,
0:25:34 > 0:25:40'but I suspect she's letting her heart rule her head, and £1,000 is a more realistic price.'
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- How are we feeling?- A bit nervous.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47You're allowed that. You are allowed that.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Lot number 592, this Bellarmine.
0:25:49 > 0:25:54Who's going to start this one at £1,000? £1,000, looking for a starter at £1,000.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57£700. £700 starts it. £700 starts it.
0:25:57 > 0:26:015, then, £500. Anybody going to start me at £500?
0:26:01 > 0:26:06At £500? No? Not going to go at £500? We've got a bid of £500 on the internet. Back in at £500.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Oh, all of a sudden there's action.
0:26:08 > 0:26:14550. 550 going to on the net, 550. £600, 650.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17- Come on. Keep it going.- 700 now.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Thank you. £700 out. £700.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22£700 on the net. At £700. £750 now?
0:26:22 > 0:26:25No? No more on the net at £750?
0:26:27 > 0:26:29Out at 750, how infuriating.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- Hmm.- So it looks to me... - As if I'm taking it home.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35It does, doesn't it? But you're not shedding any tears, I see.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40No. No, no, no, no. Well, when I saw it restored, I just thought, well, "Do I want to sell it now?"
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- Mmm.- It looks wonderful.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49'Well, Janet's obviously happy with her newfound love.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52'Now, it's our fashion icon's turn to strut her stuff.
0:26:52 > 0:26:59'Originally valued at £40-£50, Craig invested £95 getting her ready for auction.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03'We're hoping for anything from £100-£150.'
0:27:03 > 0:27:09Lot 510A is the poster.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11£100 to start me, £100?
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- £50 to begin?- Where are you?
0:27:14 > 0:27:18£50, I'm bid at £50. At £50, and 5 now.
0:27:18 > 0:27:2255, 60, 5, 70. 5 now.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24It's worth a bit more than that.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28There is a bidder. There it is.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- 85, 90.- Come on.- £90.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33- 95, 100?- 100.- 110?
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- £100 I'm bid.- £100.- £100. Any more?
0:27:36 > 0:27:40All done at £100. The last time....
0:27:42 > 0:27:45£100. Well, you're an ex-owner.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- That's it.- There is a new owner. It would have been nice to...
0:27:48 > 0:27:51It would have been nice to make a bit more on it,
0:27:51 > 0:27:57but I'd be lucky to get a fiver in the state it was in when I brought it in, so, yeah, it's hugely improved.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59It makes it a far more beautiful thing.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02'Craig's philosophical about his £95 investment,
0:28:02 > 0:28:06'and happy that a £100 sale means that it's going to a good home.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09'So it's been swings and roundabouts here in Lincolnshire.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13'The jug didn't find the right buyer, but Janet's got other plans.'
0:28:13 > 0:28:17When I saw how lovely it was, I'm certainly not disappointed.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20When I get home, it's going back on the top of the stairs.
0:28:20 > 0:28:27I have to say, as a pot fanatic, I'm thrilled that Janet's found a new passion for her jug.
0:28:27 > 0:28:33So, join us again for more affairs of the heart, here on Restoration Roadshow.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:59 > 0:29:02E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk