Experts probe cause of Balzan church painting collapse

Studies are underway to determine why a painting on canvas tore from the ceiling of the Balzan church dome and crashed to the floor, breaking up in several pieces.

The incident happened earlier this month, as the village was in full swing with preparations for its feast.

Fortunately, orchestra members who had been playing right beneath the painting - one of the last works by renowned artist Envin Cremona - managed to jump out of the way just in time.

Contacted yesterday, sexton Valent Chetcuti said scaffolding had been set up and a team, made up of an architect and arts experts, appointed by parish priest Fr Kalcidon Vassallo, had examined the ceiling and the painting to determine what led to the canvas falling down.

"We are waiting for the report and for a restorer to tell us what needs to be done," he said.

The painting depicts various episodes from the life of Our Lady. It was painted in the 1980s and because it was attached to the ceiling with a mixture containing lead, the canvas was very heavy.