The Repair Shop’s Dom Chinea on why crafting is more important than ever
The Repair Shop is one of the nation's best-loved craft TV shows, and sees expert crafters restore and repair beautiful family heirlooms and sentimental pieces belonging to members of the public.
One of the brilliant crafters who features on the show, presented by restoration legend Jay Blades, is Dom Chinea. Dom is a set designer, vehicle restorer and metalwork expert who restores everything from lawn mowers to push cars.
Here, he speaks to Prima about The Repair Shop and its special episode (available on BBC iPlayer) celebrating 75 years of the NHS.
What did you help repair on the NHS special episode?
"The NHS special was all about raising awareness of our amazing NHS, how important it is and how lucky we are to have it.
"Two nurses from Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey brought in a catering trolley from the children's ward.
"It's been in use since the 1960s and it's still in use today. It's a stainless steel trolley with an oven and fridge. It's shaped like Thomas the Tank Engine and it's incredible to think it's been used for 60 years, three times a day.
"Of course, Thomas usually has a lovely smiley face, but all the sanitising and cleaning in the hospital had rubbed most of his features off. His wheels and metalwork also needed a bit of love.
"It was such a lovely repair to be part of – this is a tool for nurses to brighten the days of the children in the hospital. It's always emotional working on something like that. It's tough to hear some of the stories from the nurses, and you can't help but put yourself in their shoes.
"It had sentimental meaning for me as well, as there were complications when I was a baby. It made me think about the NHS and all they do for us."
What's your favourite thing about being part of The Repair Shop?
"Everything that comes in has a sparkle. I've worked on some wonderful things, but my favourite is always something like a pedal car or pedal train.
"But really what I love most is knowing that we're repairing something that can be used again. You know it's going to be passed onto the next generation, and that the knowledge and stories tied up in it will be shared."
Why do you think The Repair Shop is so popular?
"Anyone can watch the show and relate – whether it's nostalgia, or because you're interested in the engineering and crafts. Or even if you just want to have a good cry!
"I think it's clear that we're trying to inspire people. We're using it as a platform to show that you don't have to throw things away, that there's always a way to repurpose something. I think viewers like the idea of being part of that."
Who's your favourite person to collaborate with on the show?
"Collaborations are great – truly, everyone on the show loves what they do, so it doesn't feel like a job.
"But I'd say my favourite person to work with is Lucia, the art conservator. The way she matches up the colours on paintings is mesmerising – she's super talented.
"It's such a unique workshop at the barn, with such a wide range of talents. And so much of it is down to attitude, too: having confidence and experience, and a positive attitude that there will be a way to repair it.
"Everyone gets stuck at some point and there's no shame in it – we're all happy to share our knowledge and willing to help."
What are your top tips for a restoration beginner who's been inspired by The Repair Shop?
"Be careful with any family heirlooms – they're not the right pieces to practise with.
"There are so many options out there, get online and find the right course for you to learn the craft from an expert.
"I'd also tell people to experience as many different projects and crafts as possible until you find the one that clicks with you. Trust me, you'll find a craft you love."
How did you get into repairing?
"I got into restoring from working on classic cars. I spent my childhood repairing old VW Beetles and rusty camper vans. I used to build engines on my bedroom floor.
"I actually built the light-up Repair Shop sign that hangs outside the barn, as I've always worked on set design. I was asked to be on the show after that.
"No one had any idea the show was going to be as huge as it's become. We've been going since 2017 now, and we're going to keep getting bigger and better."
What's your favourite repair you're working on?
"I'm restoring a classic Porsche 365 in my garage at the moment. It's been my dream car ever since I was a kid. It was sent to me from a barn in Pennsylvania. I took it apart and sanded it down.
"The car's actually in two parts at the moment. I'm still in the very early stages of repairing it – it's going to take a while!"
King Charles appeared on the show while he was the Prince of Wales. Was his passion for heritage crafts obvious?
"King Charles was absolutely fantastic when he came on the show. He's so genuine and really cares about heritage crafts.
"He's so knowledgable, too – I chatted to him for ages about a lawn mower we were repairing."
Why do you think the show matters?
"I think the show demonstrates that crafts are still needed – there's an idea that we've outgrown crafts and trades, but it's not true.
"The show is helping to change the public's ideas and mindset about heritage crafts, and that there's actually a huge amount of work out there.
"I think it's really important for young people, too. If they spend the weekend making something, the feeling of achievement afterwards is huge. They have something that they can be proud of.
"Especially for non-academic kids who don't find school easy, like me, finding a craft or skill is such a powerful thing. It can be life changing."
Series 12 of The Repair Shop is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
You Might Also Like
