Our Lady of the Assumption restored

Restoration of the 18th century painting of the Assumption at the old Birkirkara parish church was completed a few days before the celebration of the feast on August 15.

The restoration project, sponsored by Bank of Valletta, involved complete restoration of the painting and the gilding of its original frame.

The work was meticulously carried out by professional restorer Charlotte Bellizzi, who successfully managed to restore the original colours of the painting from previous restoration efforts. The painting was greatly in need of repair, as much of the canvas was torn when the work of art fell from its original place.

During the restoration, an important detail was revealed, namely the exact year the painting was completed - 1777, confirming previous speculation that the painting was of the 18th century. Moreover, the letters V.F.G.A. became more visible, showing the painting was an ex-voto work of art. The author of the painting, however, remains unknown.

BoV financed the whole restoration project as part of its efforts to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Maltese islands. Through one of its pillars, the BoV Community Programme, funds are allocated for such initiatives.

During an official visit to the old parish church, John Galea, manager of the BoV branch in Birkirara, was presented with a commemorative booklet by parish priest Fr Lino Azzopardi, while reviewing the extensive work that was done on the painting.