Kyle Books snaps up The Repair Shop

Octopus imprint Kyle Books has partnered with “The Repair Shop” TV show on The Repair Shop Life in the Barn: The Inside Stories from the Experts.

Publisher Joanna Copestick acquired world rights from production company Ricochet, which makes the programme, via Charlotte Robertson at Robertson Murray. The book will be published on 13th October 2022 retailing at £20, accompanied by a major publicity and marketing campaign including a UK independent bookshop tour with several of the experts. 

Kyle said: “The programme first aired in 2017 and captured the hearts of viewers who were enthralled to watch the team – some of Britain’s most skilled craftspeople—rescue and resurrect items their owner’s thought were beyond saving. Photographed on location at the Weald & Downland Museum, this beautifully designed book will capture the utter magic and irresistible feelgood nature of one of the country’s best loved shows.  

“From Will’s supreme woodwork and the sewing genius of the Teddy Bear Ladies, to Dom’s metal wizardry, Brenton’s superlative silverwork, the unrivalled mending skills of clockmaker Steve and Suzie’s stunning leather repairs; each of the experts tell the story of how they developed their craft and their most memorable restorations to date.  

“As with the show itself, the book celebrates both the beauty and importance of preserving craftmanship and has a foreword by Jay Blades.”  

Copestick said: “As a fan of the programme from day one, I’m beyond thrilled to be entrusted with capturing the essence of the barn in words and pictures. We want readers to feel as though they’re stepping inside the workshop to share a piece of the magic and craft within.”  

Joanna Ball, m.d. of Ricochet, commented: “’The Repair Shop’ is a magical place and we’re excited to be opening the barn doors and sharing that magic with readers. The team at Octopus really understood the special atmosphere the team have created and we know they’ll translate it into a book our viewers can treasure.”