Kirsten Ramsay has earned her reputation as the “Queen of the Invisible Fix” through decades of ceramic restoration work. As one of the stars of BBC’s beloved show The Repair Shop, she’s transformed broken treasures for millions of viewers since 2017, making the impossible look effortless. But there’s far more to this British conservator than what you see on screen.
From working with royal clients like King Charles III to operating her own conservation business in West Sussex, Ramsay’s career spans over 30 years of expertise. She’s the person museums and collectors turn to when a priceless piece needs restoration so perfect that the damage becomes completely undetectable.
Biography
Kirsten Ramsay is a British ceramics conservator born around 1966 in Sussex, South East England. Sources claim she was born in 1975, but official records from West Dean College tell a different story. She enrolled in their postgraduate diploma programme in 1989 at age 23, which means she’s actually around 59 or 60 years old today, not in her early fifties.
In a 2023 video for West Dean, Ramsay herself mentioned it had been “thirty years since I was a student here,” further confirming the earlier birth year. However, she’s never publicly shared her exact birth date.
Ramsay maintains exceptional privacy about her personal background. There’s no public information about her parents, siblings, or maiden name. She doesn’t discuss whether she’s married or in a relationship, and that’s entirely her choice. What we do know is that she didn’t start her career in conservation at all.
Before discovering her true calling, Ramsay worked as a visual merchandiser for several years. She loved museums and history, which eventually led her to evening ceramics restoration classes. That decision became what she calls “a turning point” in her life.
Education and Early Training
Ramsay’s professional career began at West Dean College in West Sussex, one of the world’s premier conservation institutions. She completed a two-year Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation and Restoration of Ceramics, Glass, and Related Materials between 1989 and 1991. The programme was accredited by the British Antiques Dealers Association, giving her credentials that would open doors in the niche.
Her first day at West Dean left a lasting impression. “I was absolutely blown away,” she recalled. “Looking around there were pigments, there were objects, there was so much going on that inspired me.” That excitement never faded.
During her studies, she gained hands-on experience through internships at the V&A Museum in London and Brighton Museum. But her most challenging early project came unexpectedly. In 1989, Uppark House suffered a devastating fire. As a student, Ramsay found herself picking through ash and rubble to recover ceramic fragments. It was painstaking, heartbreaking work that taught her resilience and precision.
After graduating, she joined the Ceramics Conservation department at the British Museum in 1991. Working there gave her exposure to objects spanning centuries and continents. She earned Associate membership of ICON (Institute of Conservation) and joined ICOM(UK) (International Council of Museums), establishing herself as a serious professional in a highly specialized field.
Career
In 1995, while still working part-time at the British Museum, Ramsay established her own business: Kirsten Ramsay Ceramics Conservation and Restoration. Initially based in Brighton, she later relocated to Hurstpierpoint in West Sussex, where she now operates from what she describes as a “cosy Scandinavian cabin.
Her business offers extensive services across multiple specialties. She works with European, Asian, and contemporary ceramics, earthenware, painted plaster, and alabaster. Beyond traditional pottery, she restores enamels, glass, cloisonné, and micro mosaic pieces. She’s even tackled large-scale public art projects, including exterior terracotta and tiled murals.
Ramsay’s client roster is impressive. King Charles III counts among her clients, alongside private collectors, auction houses, and institutional clients. Her minimum charge starts at £150 plus VAT per item. The nickname “Queen of Invisible Fixes” isn’t marketing hype. She offers “invisible restoration” where damage becomes completely undetectable, alongside colour filling and museum conservation options.
In winter 2016, Ricochet Productions contacted Ramsay about appearing on a new BBC show. Her reaction? “I thought that someone was winding me up. Restoration has always seemed rather niche and nerdy. I couldn’t believe there was going to be a mainstream programme showcasing restoration experts!”
She filmed her first episode in January 2017, the year The Repair Shop premiered on March 27. Nobody predicted the show would become a phenomenon. What started as a modest programme has grown into one of BBC’s most beloved series, with viewership reaching around seven million by 2024.
As of early 2026, the show has aired over 335 episodes across 15 series. Series 13 ran from April to October 2024, Series 14 premiered in January 2025, and Series 15 began in October 2025. That’s a far cry from the article’s outdated reference to Series 8.
The show underwent significant changes in September 2024 when presenter Jay Blades departed after being charged with controlling and coercive behaviour. Will Kirk and Dominic Chinea now serve as co-foremen, and the BBC removed episodes featuring Blades following the charges. The show continues thriving despite these changes.
Notable Repairs and Television Highlights
Ramsay’s most celebrated television moment came in October 2022 when King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) appeared on the show. She restored Wemyss Ware pottery made for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The episode won the 2023 BAFTA for Daytime programming, increasing The Repair Shop’s status as quality television.
When asked about her most challenging repair, she points to an alabaster light shade. “It gave me sleepless nights,” she admitted. “It’s such an unforgiving material, soft and translucent and yet needing to have the strength once reassembled to hang safely again.” That repair tested every skill she’d accumulated over three decades.
Other memorable restorations include a Jean Lurçat ceramic jug (he was a contemporary of Picasso), Victorian garden gnomes, Royal Barum ware vases, and a ceramic bulldog named “Sweetpea” with a shattered face. In January 2025, she appeared on The Repair Shop: On the Road spin-off, restoring a window signed by Scottish poet Robert Burns using a diamond-tipped stylus.
The show has spawned several spin-offs. The Repair Shop: Favourite Fixes launched in 2024 as a compilation series narrated by Bill Paterson. The Repair Shop: On the Road premiered in January 2025, featuring Will Kirk and Dominic Chinea traveling across the UK, with Ramsay appearing in the first episode set in Ayrshire.
The show has collected multiple accolades beyond the 2023 BAFTA, including the 2023 National Television Award for Daytime Programme and the 2020 RTS Television Award.
In April 2024, Ramsay launched West Dean College London’s new conservation hub in Bloomsbury. “I am thrilled to be opening West Dean London which offers the opportunity to learn new skills and make right in the heart of London,” she stated. This position allows her to give back to the institution that launched her career.
She continues appearing regularly on The Repair Shop. In October 2025, Series 15’s first episode featured her work on a wax statuette.
Personal Life
Ramsay lives in West Sussex and maintains deliberate privacy about her relationships and family life. It’s not known whether she’s married or in a relationship, and she’s never publicly discussed having children.
What she does share are her hobbies. She rows on the River Thames, participating in the Great River Race, a three-hour traditional rowing event. She’s also devoted to her Irish Terrier named Niamh.
Her verified Instagram account, @cabin.girl, has approximately 55,000 followers with over 285 posts. She shares behind-the-scenes content from The Repair Shop, restoration work from her private practice, moments with co-stars, and personal interests. Her bio confirms representation by Curtis Brown talent agency.
Streaming and Viewing Options
If you’re wondering where to watch The Repair Shop, availability has changed significantly. The show was previously on Netflix in the US (Seasons 1-2 starting around 2020), but it’s currently unavailable there. Your viewing options now include BBC iPlayer for UK viewers with the full catalogue, BritBox for US and international audiences, Amazon Prime Video for purchase, and The Roku Channel for free viewing with ads. Amazon Prime also launched a 24-hour Repair Shop channel in February 2025.
Net Worth
No verified net worth figure exists for Kirsten Ramsay.
What we can say is that she has multiple income streams. She receives payments from BBC and Ricochet Productions for her television appearances. Her private business generates revenue with minimum charges of £150 plus VAT per item. She works with high-profile clients and likely receives compensation for public speaking engagements and her role with West Dean College London.
The production company pays all Repair Shop cast members for their expertise. Participants never pay for repairs, which is worth noting given common questions about the show’s economics.
