Episode 50

Art Conservator Lucia Scalisi is fascinated by an unusual religious artefact. It's a three-dimensional portrait depicting the three aspects of a Hindu God – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Each Goddess is revealed when the portrait is viewed from different angles. It was made by owner Raj's grandfather over one hundred years ago for his daughter, Raj's mother, who was a devout Hindu. The portrait was displayed in her house shrine where she would sit for her daily prayers and reminds Raj of his much-missed mother. However, the sacred images are faded and masked by years of cobwebs and dust which have accumulated within the boxed frame. Lucia is impressed by the portrait's clever construction, as she meticulously cleans and repairs this unique piece of family history.

Next to arrive is Aisling with a broken silver locket that was a gift from her late grandparents. The locket has brought her much comfort, and she has worn it almost every day. She was devastated when the front side of the decorative casing detached and was lost without a trace. She would love to wear it again and replace the pictures of her dear grandparents inside. Goldsmith Richard Talman crafts a new front casing and hinge for the locket and enlists the help of talented engraver Sam Marsden to replicate the intricate lattice design.

Finally, optical expert Richard Biggs is eager to get to work on a pair of vintage binoculars. They were a gift from Erica's father, and together they would take them out birdwatching in rural Devon. These scuffed and dirty binoculars represent a childhood of adventure and a doting dad. Erica still remembers the excitement of spotting her first kingfisher on the Teign Estuary and her love for birds has never ceased. Her wish is to use them again in her with her grandchildren. Richard has a job getting the prisms out but is determined to return them to her in full working order.