Find It, Fix It, Flog It

Simon O'Brien intends to fashion an unconventional lamp from a stack of discarded slate, experimenting with the material’s texture. Meanwhile, Henry Cole is determined to repurpose the seat of a vintage pony and trap, giving the old piece a fresh purpose.

The episode is part of a programme that follows two creators as they set about giving discarded objects new life. Simon O’Brien and Henry Cole each take on a separate project, turning what would otherwise be waste into something unexpected and functional. The format centres on their ideas, the materials they choose and the way they intend to transform them. Simon O’Brien begins by examining a heap of old slate. He sketches out a design that will see the stone repurposed as the core of an unconventional lamp. His plan involves shaping the slate, fitting it with the necessary lighting components and presenting the finished piece as a striking, off‑beat source of illumination. Meanwhile, Henry Cole focuses his attention on a different relic: the seat from an old pony and trap. Determined to upcycle the wooden bench, he imagines a new use for it, outlining how it could be refurbished and incorporated into a contemporary setting. His enthusiasm is evident as he maps out the steps required to restore the seat while preserving its historic character. Together, the two projects illustrate a shared commitment to re‑imagining forgotten items. By converting slate into a lamp and reviving a vintage carriage seat, Simon and Henry demonstrate how creativity can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, all within the scope of a single episode.