The Repair Shop, now in its cherished Wednesday night slot, continues to captivate audiences with its skillful restorations. From soldier’s hats to iconic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang train sets, no object is too challenging for the Repair Shop wizards. Among their feats, the restoration of the papier-mâché de Bethel cat stands out as a true testament to their craftsmanship.
The Story of de Bethel Cats: A Family’s Artistic Legacy
Caroline Crabtree and her daughter Jenny embarked on a journey from York to West Sussex’s Repair Shop, seeking restoration for their cherished de Bethel cat. This unique feline creation was a product of Joan and David de Bethel, renowned for their exquisite papier-mâché cats.
The cat featured on The Repair Shop held special significance—it was Joan’s inaugural creation, crafted for David around the time of their engagement. This made it not only a priceless piece of history but also a sought-after collector’s item, valued in the hundreds of pounds on eBay.
Kirsten Ramsay’s Remarkable Restoration
The task of restoring the de Bethel cat fell into the capable hands of Kirsten Ramsay. The delicate papier-mâché had begun to deteriorate, posing a significant threat to the sculpture’s neck and head. Kirsten meticulously recreated Joan’s original paintwork, seamlessly filling in the gaps.
When Caroline beheld the finished restoration, she was astounded. She expressed her delight, stating, “It’s an absolutely fantastic job. I can’t see where you’ve been. Mum would’ve been so impressed to see it done so well… Absolutely everything I wanted.”
Remembering Joan de Bethel: A Life of Artistry
Born on November 25th, 1923, in Brighton, Joan de Bethel (née Burton) was a celebrated artist, primarily recognized for her papier-mâché cats. Her artistic journey began at St Martins School of Art and Design, where her passion initially lay in theatre and costume design. As a young student, Joan contributed to the creation of banners and costumes for Laurence Olivier’s Henry V, an early sign of her creative prowess.
In 1951, Joan crossed paths with fellow artist David de Bethel. Their engagement followed in 1953, and in 1955, their daughter Caroline came into the world. Throughout the 1960s, Joan and David collaborated on their beloved de Bethel cats, with David crafting them and Joan adorning them with her distinctive artistry.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Creativity and Craftsmanship
Joan de Bethel’s papier-mâché cats, now lovingly restored on The Repair Shop, stand as enduring symbols of her artistic legacy. Through her meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to her craft, Joan left an indelible mark on the world of art and design. Her collaboration with David, resulting in the iconic de Bethel cats, remains a testament to the power of artistic partnership and enduring creativity.
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