The Manoel Theatre yesterday celebrated the completion of the first phase of a restoration project with a presentation to sponsors, members of the diplomatic corps and other supporters.
Italian restorer Sante Guido said meticulous cleaning of the oil miniatures on the frontispiece of 45 boxes on the three tiers had revealed the colours of dusk and dawn, as grime that had accumulated for the past half-century was removed.
Professor Guido explained that past restorers had glazed the miniatures in wax for protection but the wax accumulated grime and dust.
During the restoration the panels were checked for termites, which thankfully they did not suffer from, and cleaned of any layers of paint or wax that had been overlaid onto the original painting.
The "extremely delicate" miniatures, he explained, executed in the second half of the 19th century, featured landscapes on the first tier, various flowery bowers and musical instruments on the second and wreath designs on the third tier.
The gilt wooden frames were also restored to their original splendour, with the overpainted gold-coloured paint removed.
The Manoel Theatre's restoration project is spread over four years and includes the treatment of all the old woodwork in the theatre, including the ceiling with its stucco and worn-out gilt work, the refurbishment of the façade and the replacement of damaged masonry.
An exhibition featuring various stages of the restoration process is currently being held in the courtyard of the Manoel Theatre.
The theatre was commissioned in 1731 by Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena, who identified the need for a building to serve the "honest recreation of the people".
It was built in 10 months and saw its first curtain call on January 9, 1732.
The last conservation exercise was carried out in the late 1950s when the government had acquired the building in response to public appeal.
During yesterday's presentation, introduced by Rosette Fenech, who chairs the Manoel Theatre Restoration Committee, there were also addresses by Youth and the Arts Minister Jesmond Mugliett and Wilfred Kenely, who chairs the Manoel Theatre Management Committee.
There was also a musical interlude by 14 teachers and students of the Johann Strauss School of Music, plus guest trumpeter Sigmund Mifsud, who played works by Clarke, Rameau and Gluck.
The ongoing restoration is sponsored by Malta International Airport, the Valletta Rehabilitation Project, Din l-Art Helwa and Computime.