Angelina Bakalarou is a Greek-born conservator of paper and paintings, widely known for her expertise in restoring delicate artworks and documents. As a key member of the BBC One series The Repair Shop, she has earned international recognition for her exceptional skill and empathetic approach to preserving family heirlooms. Through her work, Bakalarou has become an advocate for the importance of conservation, highlighting the value of art and history in personal and cultural contexts. In this article, we take a closer look at her journey, career, and personal life.
Angelina Bakalarou Early Life and Education
Angelina Bakalarou was born in January 1988 in Athens, Greece. From a young age, she developed a strong passion for art and cultural heritage, setting the foundation for her future career. Inspired by her love of history and preservation, she pursued formal education in the field of art conservation.
Bakalarou earned her Bachelor’s degree in Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art from the Technological Educational Institute of Athens. This early academic training laid the groundwork for her understanding of conservation techniques and historical preservation. However, her thirst for knowledge and her desire to specialize in paper and painting restoration led her to further her education in the United Kingdom.
She completed a Master’s degree in Conservation of Works on Paper at Camberwell College of Arts, part of the University of the Arts London. This advanced training honed her expertise in the conservation of paper-based materials, such as manuscripts, photographs, and artworks, preparing her for a career in the preservation of delicate cultural objects.
Angelina Bakalarou Professional Career
After completing her education, Angelina Bakalarou began working with some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. She gained significant experience at the Smithsonian Institution and The National Archives in Kew, London. Her role as a conservator at these institutions involved working on invaluable historical documents, where she refined her skills in restoring fragile materials.
In 2016, Bakalarou co-founded The Conservators Ltd., a conservation practice that specializes in the preservation of works on paper, archival materials, and paintings on canvas. The company offers a variety of services, including condition reports, conservation treatments, and bespoke storage solutions. The Conservators serve a diverse range of clients, from private collectors to public institutions, all of whom benefit from her meticulous and tailored conservation practices.
In addition to her private practice, Angelina also served as the Conservation Manager of Digitisation and Large-Scale Operations at The National Archives. In this capacity, she oversaw the preservation and digitization of important archival documents, ensuring that these materials would be accessible for generations to come while maintaining their physical integrity.
Angelina Bakalarou on The Repair Shop
In 2023, Angelina Bakalarou joined the cast of the popular BBC One show, The Repair Shop, as the resident paper and painting conservator. The Repair Shop brings together a team of skilled experts who restore and repair cherished family heirlooms, giving them new life for their owners. The show’s focus on emotional connections to objects aligns with Bakalarou’s philosophy of preservation, where she emphasizes not just the technical aspects of conservation but also the stories and memories embedded in the artifacts.
Her debut episode featured the restoration of a crayon portrait from the early 1900s, highlighting her attention to detail and her ability to work with fragile materials. Since then, she has become a beloved figure on the show, admired for her delicate and empathetic approach to restoring family treasures. Bakalarou’s work on The Repair Shop has allowed viewers to witness the skill and artistry involved in conservation and has inspired many to appreciate the preservation of cultural heritage.
Angelina Bakalarou Personal Life
Outside of her professional life, Angelina Bakalarou leads a relatively private but fulfilling life in London, where she resides in a charming home surrounded by plants and artwork. Her home is an extension of her career, showcasing her deep love for art and design.
Angelina is in a long-term relationship with her partner, Simone Cabras, a relationship she has shared publicly since 2015 through her social media channels. In October 2025, she delighted her fans when she announced her engagement to Simone during an episode of The Repair Shop, sharing the joyful news with her co-star Sonnaz Nooranvary. The engagement was met with much excitement, as viewers who had followed her on the show were eager to celebrate this milestone with her.
Social Media Presence
Angelina has an active presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where she shares a mix of professional and personal content. Through her Instagram account, @angelina_bak, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at her conservation work, her life on The Repair Shop, and snippets of her personal life. Her posts often highlight the process of restoring delicate works of art, giving her followers an insight into the complexities of her job. Her ability to combine professionalism with a personal touch has earned her a devoted following on social media.
Legacy and Impact
Through her work, Angelina Bakalarou has made significant contributions to the field of art conservation, particularly in the restoration of paper-based materials. Her role in The Repair Shop has helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage, showing that conservation is not just about maintaining objects but about safeguarding memories and connecting generations.
By emphasizing the emotional value of the items she restores, Bakalarou has inspired many to see art and artifacts in a new light not simply as objects, but as carriers of history, stories, and memories. Her contributions to the field have earned her a respected place among the top conservators in the world.
Quick Facts About Angelina Bakalarou
- Full Name: Angelina Bakalarou
- Date of Birth: January 1988
- Place of Birth: Athens, Greece
- Nationality: Greek
- Profession: Paper and Painting Conservator, Television Personality
- Education: BA in Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art (Athens), MA in Conservation of Works on Paper (London)
- Co-Founder: The Conservators Ltd.
- Television Appearance: The Repair Shop (BBC One)
- Partner: Simone Cabras
- Instagram: @angelina_bak
Conclusion
Angelina Bakalarou’s journey from a passionate art lover in Greece to a renowned conservator and television personality has been an inspiring one. Her dedication to the field of art conservation, combined with her role on The Repair Shop, has brought attention to the crucial work of preserving cultural heritage. Through her skillful restoration of cherished artifacts and her empathetic approach to the stories they carry, she has made an indelible impact on both the art world and the hearts of her audience.
With her expertise, humility, and dedication to the craft, Angelina Bakalarou continues to inspire those interested in preserving history, one artifact at a time.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on publicly available sources and research as of the publication date. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the details presented may change over time. The views expressed in the article are for informational purposes only and do not reflect the personal opinions or endorsements of the individuals mentioned. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to official sources or direct statements from the subjects discussed.
