Six months since its inauguration, Gozo’s newest museum and cultural centre Heart of Gozo – Il-Ħaġar is gradually establishing itself as a valid reference point for all those who are interested in exploring the cultural transformation of the Gozitan community as shaped by its religious tradition.
The museum, the only one on the islands built purposely as a museum (other museums are found in previously existing buildings that were transformed into museums) is retaining its validity through the periodic restoration of very important historic artefacts. Most of these artefacts are being exhibited to the public for the first time.
Most of these items belong to St George’s Basilica, adjacent to which is the new museum. They had been lying in safekeeping – however their condition had deteriorated substantially. Fondazzjoni Belt Victoria, the voluntary organisation set up primarily for the realisation of this project, tried to ensure that the collection of items that were to be exhibited in the new museum were in a good state.
Three such items that were identified and sent for due restoration consisted of a 17th-century painting of St Cajetan by an unknown artist and two 18th-century works, namely The Virgin of Light by Gio Nicola Buhagiar and The Holy Trinity by Enrico Regnaud. These restored works are now in pristine condition and already on display.
“These three works had to undergo a thorough assessment of the damage they had sustained both to the canvas and the paint as well as the framework, and a report was drawn up listing all the work that needed to be carried out,” explains Pierre Bugeja from Prevarti, the restorers of the three paintings.
St Cajetan has a special connection with St George’s Basilica as his feast, celebrated on August 7, coincides with the laying of the foundation stone of the new parish church in 1672. A new stretcher frame had to be constructed to replace the original one which had deteriorated. Moreover, the painting had suffered from considerable paint loss and a number of perforations.
The Virgin of Light was painted by Buhagiar around 1730 and originally hung inside the old church dedicated to St Joseph, situated a few metres away from the Basilica. Buhagiar’s artistic output is very significant in the development of late baroque art in Malta. Although this painting had suffered minor paint losses, the cleaning process revealed a considerably improved tonality of the whole painting.
With the foundation in 1739 of the Solidality of Trinitarians, the altar, which was then dedicated to St Homobonus, was rededicated to the Holy Trinity and Regnaud was commissioned to produce the Holy Trinity in his typical bright palette. This painting required a thorough cleaning process from the heavy layers of varnish and the back of the canvas had to be relined to further strengthen it.
Other exhibits, including three important statues, have also been restored purposely for inclusion in the museum collection. More items await restoration in the near future – this depends on the availability of funds.
A number of paintings are awaiting restoration – these include valuable 18th-century works by Giannicola Buhagiar, Francesco Zahra, Madiona and Lamagna as well as works from Mattia Preti’s bottega.
The museum has also benefitted from a number of private donations, namely two baroque vases in very intricate stonework donated by a Gozitan collector, an experimental photographic triptych by American Bill Armstrong, similar to one on display at the Vatican Museums, donated by a collector from the USA, an 18th-century tablecloth in intricate Maltese lace donated from Scotland, and a collection of Byzantine coins donated from Malta.
Antoine Vassallo, Chairperson of Fondazzjoni Belt Victoria says that the project aims at reviving and promoting Il-Ħaġar, the medieval town of Gozo, through the development of a state-of-the-art museum and cultural centre in a way that celebrates Gozo’s cultural identity and the strong religious sentiment that shaped Gozo’s social community.
“It is a dream come true for all of us who have been working on this project for many years. We are very proud of the success being enjoyed by this heritage centre through which we are contributing towards making Gozo a stronger destination of cultural excellence.”
The museum, supported through substantial ERDF help, offers an interactive experience to its visitors through historical information and various multimedia channels. The halls also include space for temporary and contemporary exhibitions and lectures.
To date, the museum has already attracted over 3,000 visitors. Interestingly, only 300 of these visitors were foreign – this confirms that the Maltese are increasingly showing an interest in their history and heritage.
Il-Ħaġar – Heart of Gozo is open every week between Tuesday and Sunday from 11am to 7pm. The museum can also host group visits on request. For more information visit www.heartofgozo.org.mt.