When audiences first saw Angelina Bakalarou on the BBC’s heart-warming restoration program The Repair Shop, she quickly captivated viewers. With her gentle presence, her soft European accent, and her steady, careful approach to restoring fragile paper objects, she stood out not only as a skilled professional but also as a storyteller who respects the memories locked in everyday treasures.
But who is Angelina Bakalarou really? Beyond her television work, she is a highly trained paper conservator, an academic with years of study behind her, and a passionate professional working in one of the UK’s most prestigious cultural heritage institutions. This article explores her biography, education, age, accent, nationality, career achievements, and the growing public curiosity about her life both on and off screen.
Early Life and Education
Angelina Bakalarou was born in January 1988 in Athens, Greece, making her 36 years old as of 2024. Growing up in a country with such a rich cultural and artistic history, she developed a love for art and cultural preservation early on. Greece’s world-renowned heritage—its museums, monuments, and archives—played a significant role in shaping her career ambitions.
After completing her initial studies in Athens, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art at the Technological Educational Institute of Athens. This gave her a strong foundation in art history, conservation techniques, and the responsibility of handling delicate artifacts.
Her passion and talent took her to the United Kingdom, where she enrolled at Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London. There, she completed a Master’s degree in Conservation of Works on Paper, which specialized her skills in restoring books, documents, artworks, and other delicate paper items.
Professional Career in Conservation
Before entering the world of television, Bakalarou built a solid career as a conservator of paper and paintings. She worked with several institutions across both the UK and the US, handling priceless historical collections and honing her ability to carefully balance scientific precision with artistic sensitivity.
Work at The National Archives
In October 2014, Angelina joined The National Archives (TNA) in London, first as a project conservator. Her meticulous work earned her respect among her peers, and by August 2018, she was promoted to Conservation Manager of Digitisation and Large-Scale Operations.
In this role, she oversaw not only conservation projects but also the preservation of materials being digitized for future generations. This meant working with fragile and centuries-old documents while ensuring they were safe for both physical storage and digital archiving.
Co-founder of The Conservators Ltd
Alongside her work at TNA, Angelina co-founded The Conservators Ltd, a private conservation business she runs with fellow conservator Ashleigh Brown. The company offers museum-standard conservation services for clients with valuable artworks, family heirlooms, or fragile documents in need of restoration.
This entrepreneurial step highlights her commitment to making conservation accessible beyond museums and archives, allowing everyday people to safeguard their personal history.
The Repair Shop Journey
Angelina Bakalarou’s life changed when she was invited to join the cast of BBC One’s The Repair Shop. The show, which celebrates craftsmanship and emotional storytelling, seemed like a natural fit for her expertise.
She made her TV debut in January 2023, with her first episode airing on Thursday, 19 January 2023. From the very beginning, viewers were drawn to her thoughtful approach and her gentle explanations of complex conservation techniques.
One of her memorable early projects was restoring a crayon portrait of a great-grandmother, bringing life back to faded strokes while preserving the personal value of the artwork. Another striking piece was her restoration of a compressed-paper mining helmet, a unique challenge that showcased her technical ingenuity.
Her warm personality and distinctive European accent made her instantly recognizable. Fans quickly took to social media to comment on how refreshing it was to see such a calm and caring presence on screen.
Angelina Bakalarou’s Accent
A frequent topic of curiosity is Angelina’s accent. Viewers of The Repair Shop noticed immediately that her voice carries a soft, melodic tone not typical of native English speakers.
Her accent reflects her Greek background blended with years of living and working in London. It carries traces of her Mediterranean heritage while also softened by her time in the UK. Far from being a distraction, her accent has become part of her charm, resonating with audiences who appreciate the diversity represented on British television.
Nationality and Cultural Identity
Angelina Bakalarou is proudly Greek by nationality, though her professional life is largely based in the United Kingdom. This duality has shaped her identity as both a European cultural heritage specialist and a public figure in British media.
Her Greek upbringing instilled in her an appreciation for classical art and history, while her move to London provided opportunities to expand her career within some of the world’s most respected institutions.
Age and Personal Life
As mentioned, Angelina was born in January 1988, which makes her 36 years old in 2024. While much of her public profile focuses on her career, viewers are naturally curious about her personal life.
She remains relatively private, choosing not to reveal too much about her family or relationships. Some reports suggest that she may be romantically linked to a man named Simone Cabras, based on appearances on her Instagram account. However, this remains unconfirmed, as she prefers to keep her personal world out of the spotlight.
Her private nature only adds to her allure, allowing audiences to admire her primarily for her professional skill and contributions to cultural preservation.
Public Persona and Lifestyle
Despite her reserved approach to her personal details, glimpses into Angelina’s lifestyle have been shared in interviews and lifestyle features.
- Home life: Her London home has been described as a “plant haven,” decorated with greenery, cozy reading nooks, and crystals, creating a tranquil environment that reflects her artistic personality.
- Professional personality: She is widely praised for her calm demeanor, patience, and ability to handle delicate objects with care. Fans often remark that she brings an almost meditative quality to her conservation work.
- Media coverage: Articles in outlets like Hello! Magazine and Celebspodium highlight her rise from conservator to television personality, emphasizing her ability to bridge the gap between cultural heritage and mainstream entertainment.
Why Angelina Bakalarou Matters
Angelina Bakalarou’s significance goes beyond her role in The Repair Shop. She represents the merging of scholarly expertise and popular culture. By appearing on television, she educates audiences about the importance of conservation, showing that heritage work isn’t just about preserving the past for institutions, but also about protecting the sentimental treasures of ordinary people.
Her presence also underscores the international nature of modern cultural heritage work—a Greek conservator making waves on British television is a testament to how talent and passion cross borders.
Angelina Bakalarou Wikipedia Search
Many people search for “Angelina Bakalarou Wikipedia”, hoping to find a dedicated page about her. At present, she does not yet have a comprehensive Wikipedia profile, though media outlets and blogs have covered her career extensively.
The lack of a Wikipedia page highlights just how new she is to the world of mainstream fame. Given her growing popularity and continued role on The Repair Shop, it is likely that a Wikipedia entry will be created in the near future.
Conclusion
Angelina Bakalarou is far more than just another face on television. She is a highly trained conservator, a professional dedicated to preserving fragile works of art and history, and a person whose warmth and presence resonate deeply with audiences.
Her journey—from Athens to London, from academic studies to The National Archives, and now from the archives to the screen—shows the power of passion, skill, and cultural dedication. With her accent, heritage, and unique charm, she has become an important part of The Repair Shop family and an inspiring figure for aspiring conservators worldwide.
As she continues to balance her professional career with her growing media presence, Angelina Bakalarou is carving out a legacy that is both educational and deeply human.
And if you’re a fan of cultural stories, entertainment, and biographies like this one, be sure to check out Movies Mod, where we bring you more detailed insights into inspiring personalities from across the globe.