Everyone is talking about ganutell

A 500-year-old art form that started in France is without a doubt enjoying a rebirth in Malta after it was once considered a dead craft locally. An ever-growing number of individuals of all ages are practising French-beaded flower decorating better known in Malta as ganutell.

This craft has become so popular among the Maltese that weekly classes are organised in various towns, a local TV station features ganutell lessons and even young children at various schools are being taught the art of ganutell.

According to references of beaded decorations, it is estimated that the art was practised across Europe from as early as the 1500s. In an effort to support themselves, French and Italian peasants who embroidered small glass beads on ball gowns and jackets for members of the French Royal Court used to collect defective or discarded beads.

They were then strung on wire and shaped into flower designs. The finished flowers were sold in the form of bouquets, alter displays, and memorial wreaths.

During the 1600s and 1700s the art was very popular across Europe and by the 1800s beaded bouquets had become cherished pieces. Because of the work and skill involved in creating these beautiful "works of art", beaded flowers have always been collectible and timeless treasures. Many antique flowers can be found in museums, as well as many private collections all over the world.

One can safely say that French beaded flower decorating is alive in Malta as even the foreign suppliers of ganutell materials are surprised by the local demand.

Below is a splendid example of local ganutell, tastefully framed with a Byzantine expression of the Madonna and child. Examples of similar works can be seen every evening at 115, The Strand Apart Hotel, in Gzira.