A four-storey house in Valletta, which has stood empty for decades, could end up an art gallery after it showcases its first photography exhibition, Redprints, by Alexandra Pace.
She has rehabilitated the 400-year-old townhouse in St Lucy Street that belonged to her grandparents in record time to put up her first local exhibition in six years.
And the feedback from the art scene on the space has already been substantial, even though Redprints only opened a couple of days ago.
Ms Pace admits she never thought of the venue's potential for other artists' works but is now considering the idea, given the interest.
The photographer has emerged from her darkroom into the spacious and airy house, flinging open the shutters and letting in the light.
The parallel projects - creating 56, mostly black and white photographs, shot on film, and the simultaneous rehabilitation of the house - have been followed on Facebook, attracting artists' attention. Ms Pace has posted both art and conversion processes online, through images and video, allowing viewers to take part in the progress.
The 16 rooms remain empty but Ms Pace maintains that a gallery should be simple and not overshadow the works. They have been cleaned up and adequate lighting and hanging facilities installed, while the colour schemes of the walls are those of her grandmother's days but afforded a fresh coat.
They are adorned with collections of sculptural male and female nudes, Soldier Boy and Boutique; another of underwater shots, Santa Marija; and one depicting food and entitled Maggie's Kitchen, after the photographer's mother, who was brought up in the house and is a "fantastic" cook.
The prints are available in limited numbers of 10 but Ms Pace knows selling photography is an uphill struggle because, locally, it is not really considered art.
Having been caught up in commercial work over the last few years, shooting, among others, 35 covers and fashion stories for Mediamaker's Pink magazine, Ms Pace has returned to her roots, where she claims her heart lies. And she is adamant about avoiding such long absences.
She does not recall the house in its heyday, when it was inhabited, but her exhibition should make up for all the time it was left empty. Even the old bath in a massive bathroom will be filled - a DJ/musician will be churning out music from his unusual stand but his melodies, inspired by the exhibition, will be flowing around the house, enhanced by particular sound effects, depending on the subject of the collection in each room for a subtle change of mood.