Channel 4 has commissioned a new five-part series titled The Reclaimers: Made in Suffolk, which is set to delight fans of the BBC's The Repair Shop. The show, produced by Rare TV, will air on More4 and follows a family-run business that gives once-loved items a new purpose.
Family Business at Tinkers Barn
The series is set at Tinkers Barn, a salvage yard in the Suffolk countryside, and follows three generations of the Warnes family as they rescue, restore, and repurpose treasures left behind by others. The family includes boss Andy, his wife and business partner Hayley, who focuses on design and detail, and their son Jonah, who has been learning the trade his whole life. Master craftsman Pops, Andy's father, brings decades of experience and will appear later in the series.
Mission to Preserve the Past
According to the show's synopsis: "Together, this special family dynamic is a force to be reckoned with as they work to preserve objects from Britain's past while building the future of the family business." Each episode sees the Warnes on a mission to save everything they can find, from bricks and mortar of abandoned properties to tired home and garden furnishings. They scour locations such as castles, schools, and hospitals to breathe new life into discarded items.
Tight Margins and Business Realities
Every penny spent on items others see as unsalvageable must be recouped through resale, meaning margins can be tight. The family allows cameras to film every aspect of their business as they expand and diversify their income. The series follows a similar thread to The Repair Shop, which launched almost 10 years ago and has become a prime-time hit, often leaving viewers in tears as restorers bring faded treasures back to life. The Repair Shop has featured famous guests like Dame Judi Dench and King Charles.
Channel 4 and Rare TV Comments
Channel 4's Clemency Green said: "We're delighted for our viewers to meet this brilliantly dynamic Suffolk family and their business. The Warnes operate something so unique and special, taking great care to restore forgotten pieces of history." Rare TV's Emma Barker added: "We are delighted to have made our first series for More4 and to showcase the fabulous work of Andy, Hayley and Jonah, as they preserve the heritage of this beautiful part of the UK."
The Reclaimers: Made in Suffolk launches soon on More4 and will also be available to stream on Channel 4.
