Iconic Bookshop Puffins Restored by BBC’s Repair Shop Team

The BBC’s Repair Shop team has restored two puffin figures positioned outside a bookshop, following a request for assistance from the establishment’s owners. A single fibreglass puffin has been a fixture outside The Book House in Thame, Oxfordshire, for over five decades. Luise Pattinson, who manages the shop alongside her brother-in-law Brian Pattinson, described the puffin as “beloved of many throughout the generations.” She noted that local residents contributed photos and memories, which were then forwarded to the show’s producers. Ms. Pattinson expressed her delight, stating it was “like all our Christmases have come early.” Named Fat Puffin, the figure, standing over 1m (3.2ft) tall, was a gift from Puffin Books in 1972, recognizing The Book House as one of the nation’s limited number of children’s bookstores. Over time, its state worsened due to general wear, being toppled, and a 1984 incident involving students who kidnapped it and left it suspended by a rope from the town hall. A second puffin, named Muffin, was added to the shop’s exterior much later. However, due to her lighter construction, she was often dislodged and carried down the street by moderate winds. Ms. Pattinson recounted her surprise upon receiving a call from The Repair Shop. She elaborated, “I was away for the weekend and in an aquarium and emerged from the shark tank to a missed call.” “Luckily I rang back and it was one of the producers to say our application had got through the first couple of stages and she wanted to talk some more,” she added. Following the finalization of arrangements, an “unmarked van appeared outside the shop,” and the “puffins were bundled in.” She further recounted, “A young man legged it across the road to me and said ‘what have you done with the puffins? I can’t believe it, have I just seen the end of The Book House puffins? Are you throwing them out? This is an outrage.'” To which she responded, “no, no, no, they’re on their way to get fixed and have a spa day.” The puffin figures have since undergone renovation and have been reinstated to their designated spot outside the bookstore. Ms. Pattinson commented, “Even though I’ve been a fan of the show since the first episode I could not have imagined the amazing job they did.” Following their refurbishment, the puffins are now equipped with wheeled plinths, allowing them to be moved easily and thereby reducing future wear and tear. “No more lugging them in and out of the shop,” Ms. Pattinson clarified. She added, “We wheel them in and out… on the shop floor it’s like an episode from Strictly [Come Dancing]. They glide and they swirl.” Mr. Pattinson stated, “People who have been coming to the shop on a regular basis, they just love this new look that they have. “They look resplendent in their new paint and colours and we’re absolutely thrilled with them.”” Ms. Pattinson concluded, “The puffins are back and they’re going to be back for the next 50 years, and they’re shiny and wonderful and joyous.” The episode of The Repair Shop at Christmas featuring the puffins is scheduled for broadcast later on BBC One at 20:15. For updates, BBC Oxfordshire can be followed on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s approach to external linking is available.