Adrian Chiles Discovers Daily Delight in Bert the Chef Statue
Broadcaster and writer Adrian Chiles has revealed an unusual source of daily joy in his life: a figurine of a cheerful chef named Bert. Found in a reclamation yard in Old Hill in the Black Country, this statue has become a cherished possession that outshines even his beloved cuckoo clock.
A Conversation Starter Like No Other
Installed in his home, Bert serves as an immediate conversation piece. Visitors typically ask, "What on earth is that thing?" followed by inquiries about the word "bostin" displayed on the menu board Bert holds. This West Midlands adjective, meaning excellent or superb, adds a layer of regional charm to the figurine.
The statue depicts a portly chef giving a thumbs up while holding a menu board. Chiles appreciates that Bert looks like he enjoys his food, with attire that appears well-used from kitchen work. Upon closer inspection, Chiles notes Bert appears to wear lipstick, adding a touch of metrosexuality that enhances his appeal.
From Reclamation Yard to Permanent Residence
Chiles first encountered Bert at a yard run by a man also named Bert, a West Bromwich Albion fan with bone-dry humor. After initially hesitating to purchase the statue due to uncertainty about where to place it, Chiles found himself thinking about Bert's "cheeky little face" repeatedly. He returned to buy the figurine, declaring "mine he will remain until death doth us part."
Unlike his cuckoo clock, which eventually annoyed him into disabling its hourly chime, Bert provides consistent pleasure. "He gives me a little lift every time I look at him," Chiles explains, comparing the experience to how great art affects people.
Unexpected Revelations and Enduring Affection
The relationship faced a test when Chiles discovered a photo of himself with a similar, larger statue in Croatia three years earlier. This felt "disloyal, wrong, unsettling" initially, like discovering an ex-girlfriend resembling his wife. Research revealed these chef statues belong to a "retro European 'chef mascot' tradition," often called "Italian chef statues."
Despite learning Bert isn't unique—countless similar figurines exist worldwide—Chiles' affection remains undiminished. He even contemplates spending retirement collecting these statues, creating a "terracotta army-style" regiment as a "bostin legacy" for future generations.
Through Bert, Chiles explores themes of regional identity, personal connection to objects, and how everyday items can become meaningful art. The figurine represents not just a cheerful chef, but a connection to Black Country culture and the simple pleasures that brighten daily life.
