LOYAL TO LOCAL
Jay took some time out of his jam-packed filming schedule to talk about his roots, what inspires him and how Ironbridge has become his personal hive of creativity. Jay is passionate about sustainability, the environment and his work is his way of giving something back – helping to build self-esteem and confidence in young people through restoration.
Jay Blades talks about nature and life, and reflects on how these inspire his work. Today in his new hive of creativity at Maws Craft Centre in Ironbridge, the BBC Repair shop Presenter and master crafter celebrates artisans and their place in transforming communities. Jay Blades
Today you are one of the UK’s most beloved TV presenters and the Repair Shop show is televised to more than seven million homes across the country, but were did life begin for you and what was school and younger life like? Life began in Hackney on a council estate – I had a brilliant childhood, we never knew we were poor. My life was rich with family life, I had the best times growing up with my cousins and friends, going blackberry picking, eating plums, just having a really ‘kiddy-fied’ life – kind of like the ‘Famous Five’ books with loads of adventures outside – only on a council estate, it was absolutely beautiful. Secondary school wasn’t the best experience, I experienced racism through the Police School, for him, and teachers telling me that I wasn’t going to amount to anything. But when I make something, I feel on top of the world. When did you discover your love of the art of furniture restoration or did it find you? Volunteering at a homeless centre in Oxford in my 30s was a real wake up call for me and when I think I first found my calling. The work really changed my perspective and I wanted to help people who were less fortunate than myself.
TOTALLY TELFORD
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