Monday, 17th November 2008 - 14:12CET
Video: Unique silverware collection donated to Mdina museum
A unique collection of antique silverware collected over many years by Jimmy Farrugia has been presented to the Cathedral Museum, Mdina, and goes on public display next Monday.
The silverware on display dates back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and includes a cruet set used by Grandmaster Manoel de Vilhena and a silver plate bearing La Valette’s emblem on the back. They are particularly significant since most Maltese silverware was lost during the French occupation of 1798. Dr Farrugia managed to trace some of the items abroad.
A number of antique paintings and furniture were also presented.
The exhibits are displayed in two halls, protected by a new, high tech security system.
The exhibition will be formally inaugurated by Archbishop Paul Cremona this evening.
The donation was made by Dr Farrugia's widow Doris, who said that it had always been Dr Farrugia's wish to donate the items once they both passed away. However she felt she should make the donation now so that the Maltese people could enjoy them immediately.
The donation was received by Mgr Prof. Vincent Borg, Chairman of the Cathedral Commission, who underlined the importance of the exhibition and paid tribute to Dr Farrugia. He said the silver items were a link between the ecclesiastical items and items on Maltese culture on display at the museum.
Dr Farrugia, a well-known medical doctor, was a Nationalist MP who later served as Speaker of the House of Representatives and Ambassador to the Holy See. He also authored books on Maltese silverware. (See video)
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Comments
As a kid, he terrified me, but as I started older I began to realise that beneath that gruff exterior, was a gentleman with iron principles.
We continue to appreciate great people after they are gone. Dr. Farrugia, like fellow MD Karl Chircop are cases in point.,
I have visited this museum more than 4 times and this collection will attract me to visit it once again.
My sincere admiration.
this, together with the recent Ganado map collection, which was bought by the state, is to be commended.
thank you again, and may others follow in their footsteps. It is a labour of love which takes time, effort, commitment and significant financial resources to build
Needless to say, security needs to be updated on a regular basis, and I like to compliment everyone involved in this very beautiful museum.
The Mdina museum is one of those places in Malta that brings me lots of childhood memories. Me and my little brother were among the first to visit when it first opened to the public some 40 years ago.
His memory will not only rest on his dedicated medical profession but also to this unique donation to the Maltese nation.
Well done Mrs. Farrugia. Your earnest to donate this silverware now and witness the display is an additional merit to yourself as well.
May others follow this example.
Michael Bonnici
Haz-Zebbug.
I don't think that this could be the case in this situation.
This is why our Museums are so short of artifacts from private collections and our University lacks so much private endowments.
There is a traditional mentality in Malta that you have to leave in inheritance all your wealth to your children or at most leave something to adorn the statue of the village patron saint. We expect the state to provide for the public good and wealth.
To be fair our taxation and inheritance laws do not favour donations and bequests.
So thank you once again Dr. and Mrs. Farrugia.