Silverware collection donated to Cathedral Museum
On display next week
A silverware collection has been donated to the Cathedral Museum of Mdina . Photo: Matthew Mirabelli.
An extensive collection of antique silverware, amassed by former Speaker Jimmy Farrugia, has been donated to the Cathedral Museum, Mdina, by his widow and will go on permanent display next week.
Dr Farrugia was an expert in Maltese silverware and collected a large number of items throughout his lifetime, tracking some from abroad.
The silverware 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 de Valette's emblem on the back.
These are rare items considering that most Maltese silverware was lost during the French occupation of 1798, or minted for coins.
The exhibition was inaugurated yesterday evening by Archbishop Paul Cremona but will be open to the public on Monday, a day before the second anniversary of Dr Farrugia's death. The exhibits will be displayed in two halls, protected by a new, high-tech security system.
Dr Farrugia's widow Doris said it had always been her husband's wish to donate the items once they both passed away. However, she felt she should make the donation now so that Maltese and tourists could enjoy them immediately.
The donation was received by Mgr Prof. Vincent Borg, Cathedral Commission chairman, who underlined the importance of the exhibition and paid tribute to Dr Farrugia.
He said such collections were rarely found outside private residences and thanked Ms Farrugia for the generous donation. The silverware, he said, was a link between the ecclesiastical items and objects related to Maltese culture displayed 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 wrote books on Maltese silverware.
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Giuseppe Gauci Sammut
Sep 19th 2011, 12:27
A big thank you, to the Late Chev. Dr Jimmy Farrugia and his wife Doris, for this priceless donation to the whole nation. It is worth to note, that this collection holds probably unique pieces in antique Maltese silver, which are of great historical notion. Besides this, when seen, the collection can show us how the silvercraft developed in our country according to different phases in time, under different rules, who governed Malta.
Joe Xuereb (London UK)
Nov 18th 2008, 18:28
Thank you J. Micallef. I have not been to visit my country for far too long but now I am thinking that the Mdina Museum and its new acquisition will give me a real incentive to pay a visit. This is an issue very close to my heart. At the risk of sounding arrogant, I often agonise over the fate of a lifetime's work knowing that family and friends, bless them! would only sentimentally appreciate them. And soon after, further dilution and finally the skip. Would it not be wonderful if the Government were to set up a minor museum (or section within an existing one) for lesser works? It would have curiosity value at least. I can imagine the incredible variety of artifacts, etc. - true labours of love - and such a place would prove ideal for schoolchildren's school-trips, one fun experience that will teach them, if nothing else, that not everything has to bave a price tag attached. Just a thought!
Michael Pace
Nov 18th 2008, 16:48
A big thank you to Mrs. Farrugia, and Dr. Jimmy.
En passant, the Cathedral houses its Museum in a building separated from the cathedral itself. Why can't St. John's Co-cathedral do the same?
J Micallef
Nov 18th 2008, 16:10
What a wonderful, altruistic gesture. I can't find any words to express the gratitude.
Thank you to all the Farrugia Family, especially Mrs. Farrugia. I join and share Mr. Joe Xuereb's thoughts - his contribution leaves very little to add.
Thank you once again.
Joe Xuereb (London UK)
Nov 18th 2008, 14:30
This is indeed wonderful news and Mrs. Farrugia's generosity is to be applauded. It is pointless for such personal collections to be inherited by one generation after another, forever locked away from appreciative eyes, and with the very real possibility of an owner, at some time, who thinks that such artifacts are better if cashed in by selling them. The thought that these artifacts (and others that no doubt exist) could end up being viewed as mere white elephants to be cashed in is very real and unbearable to contemplate. This would inevitably break up the collections and Dr. Jimmy Farrugia's dedication and honourable intent would be lost forever. The good man's passion for this valuable collection, Malta's patrimony, will be guaranteed permanence in the Mdina Museum. Thank you Mrs. Farrugia. May you enjoy witnessing at first hand the benefits of your wise generosity for many years to come. You obviously appreciated and partook of your husband's dedication. Your gesture is testimony to the respect you had for each other and may it serve as a model to others.
lgalea
Nov 18th 2008, 14:05
A BIG thank you for giving your personal property for National Heritage to be enjoyed by all.
A. Charles
Nov 18th 2008, 13:02
Dr. & Mrs Jimmy Farrugia's gesture is heart warming and impressive. If only the government gives rebates on death duties to those people who give such artefacts to local public museums which become part of our "patrimonju" and I believe there are a lot.
Thank you in the name of people who have our "patrimonju" at heart.