The Repair Shop 2024 episode 16 opens with a very special guest stepping through the barn doors. Broadcaster Sally Magnusson arrives, carrying with her a remarkable piece of television history—none other than the original Mastermind chair, a symbol that holds deep sentimental value for her. It’s not just any chair; it’s the one that graced the set of Mastermind for 25 years, under the steady leadership of Sally’s father, the legendary Magnus Magnusson.
When he retired from hosting the iconic quiz show in 1997, the chair was gifted to him as a memento of his time at the helm. Since Magnus’ passing in 2007, the chair has found a home with Sally, but the years have not been kind to it. Worn and weathered, it now needs the expertise of furniture restorer Sonnaz Nooranvary to bring it back to life.
For Sally, this chair is far more than a relic of television history. It’s a tangible connection to a cherished era, one that reminds her of growing up, watching her father become a household name, and witnessing the rise of Mastermind. As she describes the importance of the chair, you can almost see the memories unfolding—the sharp spotlight of the quiz show, the intense pressure on the contestants, and Magnus sitting calmly in that very seat, guiding them through their mental trials. Restoring this chair isn’t just about preserving a piece of TV memorabilia; it’s about safeguarding a slice of Sally’s personal history.
Sonnaz begins her work by carefully inspecting the iconic chair, immediately identifying areas that need urgent attention. The leather, once smooth and polished, has deteriorated over the years, particularly on the arms. The constant use, nervous contestants gripping the sides as they faced tough questions, has worn the material thin.
Sonnaz realizes that she will need to reinforce the leather to restore its strength. Moreover, the seat’s padding, which has compressed over time, requires revitalization to bring back its former comfort. But as she delves deeper into the restoration, she discovers structural damage in the arms, damage that was hidden beneath the surface. It’s at this point that Sonnaz calls for the assistance of expert metalworker Dom Chinea, whose skillset will be essential in addressing the unseen issues.
While Sonnaz and Dom focus on reviving the Mastermind chair, another deeply sentimental project is taking place just across the workshop. Restorer Pete Woods welcomes sisters Mandy Fletcher and Tina Kay from Leeds, who have brought in a glockenspiel that once belonged to their late father, Ken Newton. The instrument, though battered and out of tune, holds priceless memories for the sisters. Their father, Ken, was a talented percussionist and drummer who played at the famous Batley Variety Club, where some of the biggest musical stars of the time performed.
Legends like Louis Armstrong, Jay Orbison, and Shirley Bassey shared the stage with him. The sisters’ voices fill with pride as they recount their father’s career, remembering how he stood among these towering figures of music. The glockenspiel, though showing the wear of its many years on the road, is a symbol of his legacy, and restoring it is a way for Mandy and Tina to hold on to their father’s memory.
Pete approaches the restoration with care and precision, understanding the emotional weight behind the project. The glockenspiel’s notes are no longer in harmony, and the instrument itself has seen better days. Years of performing have taken their toll, but Pete is determined to bring back its music. He focuses on retuning the glockenspiel, restoring not just its tone, but its ability to play once again.
However, it’s not just the instrument itself that needs attention—the case it once traveled in has also borne the brunt of time and use. Enter Suzie Fletcher, a specialist in leatherwork, who partners with Pete to tackle the worn, battered case. Together, they transform the once-tired glockenspiel into a beautiful, playable piece once again.
The Repair Shop 2024 episode 16
As the glockenspiel’s final notes ring out in the workshop, there’s a palpable sense of accomplishment in the air. For Mandy and Tina, the instrument represents more than just their father’s music—it symbolizes the bond they shared with him and the memories they hold dear. The restoration process has given them a renewed connection to their father, as though, in some way, he’s playing alongside them once more.
Back with Sonnaz and Dom, the Mastermind chair is slowly returning to its former glory. The leather is restored, the padding is plumped, and the structural integrity is once again sound. For Sally, watching the chair be brought back to life stirs emotions. It’s not just a repair; it’s a reminder of the many evenings spent watching her father on television, the pride she felt as he became a celebrated figure, and the countless stories woven into the fabric of that chair.
When Sonnaz finally presents the fully restored chair to Sally, it’s as though a piece of her father has come back to her. The chair, once again, stands tall—an enduring symbol of both her father’s legacy and the memories that will continue to live on through it.
In this episode of The Repair Shop, the objects being restored aren’t just items; they’re anchors to the past, holding memories of loved ones and cherished times. Whether it’s a piece of television history or a musical instrument that once filled halls with sound, these restorations are about more than craftsmanship—they’re about preserving the stories that live within these objects and allowing them to continue being part of family histories.
As the repairs come to a close, both Sally Magnusson and the sisters from Leeds leave the barn with more than just restored items. They leave with a sense of connection to their past, knowing that the pieces of their family’s history have been lovingly brought back to life.
Next to step into the barn is Jennie Jewitt-Harris from Surrey, carrying a storybook with an extraordinary past. This isn’t just any children’s book—it’s a treasured keepsake given to her father, Tony, on his eighth birthday in 1943. Inside the front cover, a heartfelt inscription still wishes him a happy birthday. But this book has a tale far beyond childhood memories. In 1944, as World War II raged on, it did more than entertain Tony—it saved his life.
One fateful night, while Tony was lying in bed at his family home in Chingford, a German bombing raid targeted the local reservoirs. The house was hit, the roof and front ripped away by the explosion. Amid the chaos, Tony was discovered lying beneath the rubble, the book still resting on his chest. Astonishingly, a large shard of glass that should have struck him was embedded in the back of the book instead, protecting him from harm.
With such a remarkable history attached to it, restorer Chris Shaw knows this repair requires special care. The book has no spine, and the pages are in dire need of re-sewing, but Chris understands that preserving the damage—especially the place where the glass pierced it—is crucial to honoring its story.
The final guests of the day are Peter and Laura, a grandfather and granddaughter from Smethwick, who arrive with a beloved family heirloom. They’ve brought with them a wooden toucan mobile, a toy that has passed through several generations of their family. Originally gifted to Laura as a baby, the mobile, affectionately known as “Mr Toucs,” stayed with her until she left home at 18. When Laura had her own child, baby Rory, there was no question—Mr Toucs would find a new home in his nursery.
However, tragedy struck when, during transport, the toucan was lost on a farm, with part of him run over on a nearby road. Now, Peter and Laura hope woodworker Will Kirk can restore Mr Toucs to his former glory. Will’s challenge is to craft a new wing and recreate the cloud that once hovered above the bird, so it can once again take pride of place in baby Rory’s room. As Will works, he pieces the bird back together with skill and care, eager to demonstrate the flapping mechanism that once made Mr Toucs so special when Peter and Laura return.
Conclusion The Repair Shop 2024 episode 16
As The Repair Shop draws to a close in this episode, the heart of what the show truly represents is on full display. The restored objects, from Sally Magnusson’s Mastermind chair to Mandy and Tina’s glockenspiel, aren’t just physical items; they are touchstones of history, deeply intertwined with personal memories. Each repair undertaken by the talented restorers breathes new life into these items, allowing them to continue their journey through time, connecting generations.
Sally’s father’s chair, once a simple piece of television history, is now a cherished family heirloom once more. Its restoration means more than just fixing the leather or padding; it represents the reawakening of memories of her father’s iconic presence on screen. In the same way, the restored glockenspiel for Mandy and Tina allows them to keep the music of their father’s past alive, every note now resonating with the love and pride they feel for him. Through Pete’s careful hands and Suzie’s delicate touch, that musical legacy can continue.
Jennie Jewitt-Harris’s storybook, which shielded her father from harm during a bombing in World War II, also emerges from its own restoration with its history preserved. The damage from that night, now forever a part of the book’s story, stands as a symbol of resilience—a physical reminder of survival and the enduring power of storytelling. The same goes for Peter and Laura’s wooden toucan, now beautifully restored and ready to take pride of place in baby Rory’s nursery, symbolizing a new chapter in their family’s history.
Each object repaired in this episode holds more than memories; they hold a part of their owners’ souls, each crease, tear, and crack telling a story of love, family, and perseverance. As the barn doors close, the lasting impact of these restorations extends far beyond the objects themselves. It is a testament to the enduring connection between people and the items that carry their most treasured memories. Through skilled hands and caring hearts, these pieces have not just been restored—they have been given new life, ready to continue their roles in family stories for years to come.
FAQ The Repair Shop 2024 episode 16
Q: What is the significance of Sally Magnusson’s Mastermind chair in The Repair Shop episode 16?
A: The Mastermind chair holds immense sentimental value for Sally Magnusson. It was featured in every episode of Mastermind for 25 years while her father, Magnus Magnusson, hosted the show. After his retirement in 1997, the chair became a cherished memento, symbolizing both her father’s career and their personal family history.
Q: How does the restoration process reflect the emotional connection to the items?
A: The restoration process in The Repair Shop is not just about repairing physical damage; it’s about preserving the memories and stories attached to each object. Whether it’s Sally’s chair or Mandy and Tina’s glockenspiel, the restorers focus on maintaining the emotional value these items carry, helping families reconnect with their past.
Q: What challenges did the restorers face with the Mastermind chair restoration?
A: Restoring the Mastermind chair required careful attention, as the leather had deteriorated, and the arms had hidden structural damage. Restorer Sonnaz Nooranvary and metalworker Dom Chinea worked together to repair these issues while preserving the chair’s integrity and history.
Q: Why was restoring the glockenspiel important to Mandy and Tina?
A: The glockenspiel belonged to Mandy and Tina’s father, Ken Newton, a talented musician who performed with legendary artists. Restoring it allowed them to hold onto a piece of their father’s musical legacy and the memories of his remarkable career.
Q: What is the central theme of The Repair Shop episode 16?
A: The central theme of the episode is the deep emotional connection people have to cherished objects. Through expert craftsmanship, the restorers breathe new life into items that are more than just objects—they’re symbols of love, family, and history.