Three amateur blacksmiths hammer it out to win a commission from one of the UK's most respected garden centres, to sell their work alongside designer pieces that fetch thousands of pounds. Could they realise their dreams and start a new life as professional craftspeople? Taking part are Sally, Darren and Joel.
Three amateur furniture-makers compete to win a commission from one of the UK's most respected furniture companies. Richard's dream is to become renowned master craftsman, making furniture for the Royal Palaces. Daniel is studying at the prestigious Royal College of Arts in a bid to become the next big thing in furniture design. And Jodie gave up a legal career to pursue something more fulfilling and has devoted her life to the dream of making large commercial pieces and furniture for public spaces. But with great expectations piled upon them and commercial briefs and deadlines to meet, not all three will be able to get the head start of a commission.
Three amateur stonemasons compete for a commission to make a water feature for the Landmark Trust. If their work is good enough, one of them could see their piece take centre stage at Goddards, a spectacular country house designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Forty-one-year-old Stephane longs to quit his job as a graphic designer and one day be able to support his family through his hobby; 30-year-old Sam was a Jack of all trades but, but now believes that he has finally found the discipline he'd like to master; and the move to stonemasonry for 28-year-old art graduate Jo is an attempt to follow her family's history of working with old buildings.
Monty meets three amateur glass blowers competing for a commission to make a centrepiece chandelier for a flagship hotel for the luxury hotel chain Hotel du Vin. Mum-of-two Kira left a steady job in the NHS to explore her artistic side and follow her dream of working in glass for a living. Twenty-four-year old James has worked as a glass blower's assistant on a variety of projects and is desperate to move up the ranks. And Bee hopes her eye for a quirky design will help her make it in the commercial world of glass blowing. All three are tutored by Jim Adington, one of Europe's most acclaimed glassblowers.
Monty meets trainee potters competing for a commission to make a tea service fit for the Queen and heads of state: to be used at the Royal Suite of the Goring Hotel, one of London's most prestigious luxury hotels. Taking part is Daniel, a plumber who is also a talented and award-winning potter. Gifted hobbyist Mandy re-discovered the craft after a devastating family bereavement. And, with a university degree in ceramics behind her, 24-year-old Ashleigh wants to show the world that there is a career to be had from the craft.
Monty meets three trainee weavers who are competing for a commission that could seriously put them on the road to a career as professionals, with the winner's work set to be sold internationally as part of a collection for the luxury menswear brand Hackett. The three are put under the tutorage of Ptolemy Mann, a master weaver and textile designer whose clients range from the Hilton Group to Sotheby's. The three trainees are 24-year-old Juliet; single mum Aviva, who went back to college five years ago to study weaving and hopes to one day earn enough money from the craft to put her own daughter through university; and 22-year-old Calum.
