April 28th: Today’s Feature

April

Part 1: Jason ‘Jay’ Blades, MBE, a renowned British furniture restorer and television presenter, was born on 21 February 1970. His upbringing took place in Hackney, a neighbourhood in Inner London that was considered a working-class area during his childhood. Currently, he resides in Ironbridge, located in the picturesque county of Shropshire.

Throughout his career, Jason Blades MBE has gained recognition for his exceptional skills in restoring furniture to its former glory. His passion for preserving the beauty of antique pieces has not only earned him a loyal following but has also established him as a prominent figure in the world of furniture restoration. With his expertise and dedication to his craft, Jason Blades MBE continues to inspire others in the industry and showcase the importance of preserving the heritage of furniture for future generations to appreciate.

Early Life

Blades, a native of Brent in North London, had a childhood in Hackney, East London, where he resided with his mother and maternal half-brother. Growing up, he was unaware of the fact that his father had fathered 25 other children with various women across different countries.

Unfortunately, Jay Blades faced the challenges of dyslexia, a condition that went undiagnosed during his school years. This learning difficulty, coupled with the colour of his skin, subjected him to racism both within the educational system and from law enforcement authorities. Despite these obstacles, Blades persevered and embarked on a career as a labourer and factory worker during his youth.

However, as he matured, Blades decided to pursue higher education and enrolled as a student of criminology at Buckinghamshire New University. It was during this time, at the age of 31, that he finally received a diagnosis for his dyslexia, revealing that his reading ability was equivalent to that of an 11-year-old. This revelation shed light on the challenges he had faced throughout his academic journey. Undeterred by his learning difficulties, Blades remained determined to overcome them and excel in his studies.

In the early 2010s, specifically between 2012 and 2013, Blades became actively involved in the management of a children's club called "Men Behaving Dadly." This weekend playgroup aimed to foster a bond between young children and their fathers, providing a supportive and engaging environment. The club operated within the premises of Bedfont & Chiswick children's centres, offering a range of activities and opportunities for fathers to spend quality time with their children. Blades' involvement in this initiative showcased his commitment to promoting positive family dynamics and creating spaces where fathers could actively participate in their children's lives.

Career

Blades and his wife Jade established a charitable organisation called Out of the Dark in High Wycombe with the aim of providing training in furniture restoration to underprivileged youth. Unfortunately, the charity faced financial difficulties, leading to the breakdown of their marriage and Blades becoming homeless. However, he found support from his friends and the Caribbean community during this challenging period. Subsequently, television producers came across a short film about the charity, which opened up opportunities for Blades to work as a presenter.

Following these events, Blades relocated to Wolverhampton and founded Jay & Co, a social enterprise dedicated to assisting marginalised and disengaged groups. In 2021, he took on the role of trustee for The Black Fund, a charity established by singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock. Blades and Pinnock had crossed paths years earlier when he ran a youth club and choir that Pinnock, then 14 years old, had joined. Additionally, in the same year, Blades published a memoir titled "Making It: How Love, Kindness and Community Helped Me Repair My Life" through Pan Macmillan UK. His contributions to the preservation of heritage crafts were recognised when he was appointed as co-chair of the Heritage Crafts Association in August 2022.

Television  Repair

Jay Blades is a well-known television presenter and personality, recognised for his appearances on various popular shows. He has gained significant recognition for his role as the presenter of The Repair Shop, a beloved program where skilled craftsmen restore treasured items to their former glory. Additionally, he has showcased his talent and creativity on Money for Nothing, a show that focuses on upcycling and transforming discarded objects into valuable pieces. Furthermore, Jay Blades has co-presented Jay and Dom's Home Fix, a series that offers insightful tips and advice on home improvement projects.

In addition to his hosting roles, Jay Blades has made appearances on several other notable television programs.

In August 2021, Jay Blades embarked on a personal journey to improve his literacy skills, which was documented in a program called Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51. This documentary, aired on BBC One, showcased his efforts to enhance his reading abilities with the support of the charity Read Easy UK.

In May 2022, Jay Blades presented a captivating three-part series on Channel 5, where he revisited the area he grew up in. Throughout the series titled Jay Blades: No Place Like Home, he interviewed childhood friends, experts, and witnesses to history, providing a unique perspective on the area's past. The program featured significant locations such as Ridley Road Market, delving into the history of anti-fascist action in the 1940s. Additionally, the Newington Green Unitarian Church segment explored the themes of slavery and abolitionism. The Pellici cafe was also featured, shedding light on the influence of the notorious Kray twins and gangsterism.

Blades made an appearance on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs in September 2022, where he discussed the negative impact of racism and violence during his childhood.

In October 2022, Blades took on the role of lead presenter for The Repair Shop episode that showcased King Charles III.

In 2024, Blades and Sir David Jason collaborated to host David & Jay's Touring Toolshed, a restoration series consisting of fifteen episodes that aired on BBC2.

Continued in Part II