Lucia Scalisi, a skilled restorer from BBC’s The Repair Shop, recently shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of Maria Kirk, a guest who appeared on the show earlier in 2023. Lucia had the honor of restoring a treasured Madonna and Child painting that had been passed down through Maria’s family for generations.
The painting, once owned by Maria’s late grandfather Joseph, originally from Ukraine, holds profound historical and emotional significance. Maria was deeply moved when Lucia unveiled the restored artwork on the show. She recounted the harrowing journey her family endured at the outbreak of World War II. Facing threats from both Russian and German forces, her mother Irena, grandmother Halyna, and aunt Stefania fled Ukraine with the valuable painting safely concealed inside her grandmother’s coat.
Lucia shared the news of Maria’s death in a heartfelt Instagram post, accompanied by photos capturing Maria with her precious, restored painting. She wrote, “It is with sadness I learned today that the wonderful Maria Kirk passed last night. You may remember the painting she brought to @therepairshoptv and her story—how her grandmother and two daughters fled their family church in Ukraine with it during the war. They faced enemies on both sides and were sent to work camps. The painting was hidden inside her gran’s coat.”
READ MORE: Armed Police Respond to Incident at Bibury Amid Planning Dispute in England’s Most Picturesque Street
READ MORE: Football: Southern, Hellenic, County and Northern Senior League Reviews with Women’s Round-Up
Maria had a deep wish to return the painting to its original home, a specific spot on the wall of their family’s church in Ukraine. In pursuit of this goal, she shared the story tirelessly through exhibitions, school talks, and community events, hoping to foster peace and ensure the painting’s legacy endured. Lucia concluded, “Let us hope peace prevails to this end; it will be Maria’s lasting legacy #life #love #art.”
Fans and followers expressed their condolences in the comments, remembering the poignant episode. “May she rest in peace,” wrote one viewer. Another added, “So sad, but glad you restored it while she was alive.” Many praised Lucia’s sensitive handling of such a meaningful restoration, calling the episode a favorite for its beautiful storytelling and artistry.
Maria Kirk’s story and the restored painting remain a poignant reminder of resilience, history, and the transformative power of art. The Repair Shop continues to celebrate these stories, available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.