[attach id=640958 size="medium" align="right"]The exposition throne at St Julian’s old parish church.[/attach]

Since its foundation in 2003, the Għaqda Dilettanti Knisja ta’ Lapsi has worked to restore a number of works of art and liturgical objects that grace the old parish church of St Julian’s.

Last year, this NGO commissioned Omar Camilleri to work on the restoration and regilding of an antique solemn exposition throne. This project was possible through the generous support of The Alfred Mizzi Foundation.

The throne, popularly known in Maltese as ‘ġilandra’ (derived from the Italian girandola, in a clear reference to the revolving door included in the structure, which is opened to reveal the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance), is carved in wood and is a fine example of a religious artefact in the Baroque tradition, dating back to the second half of the 19th century. The throne is displayed on the main altar of the church on special occasions, particularly for the feast of Corpus Domini, the body and blood of Christ.  

Although the wooden structure of this throne was found to be in a very good state of conservation, the gilding suffered considerable damage due to deposits of dirt and many losses and gesso chippings, mainly due to wood movements caused by a high level of humidity and incorrect handling in the past.

During discussions on the method of treatment, it was agreed that while the wooden structure should be conserved and restored, the exposition throne was to be regilded in its entirety. This was deemed to be essential and justifiable on the grounds that this object is intended for use in liturgical rites and ceremonies.

The project commenced in the summer months of 2017, when layers of gesso were removed to reveal the wooden structure of the throne and sunburst rays. Following this process, the structure was reconsolidated. Some of the missing wooden sculpture was also replicated.

Twenty layers of gesso were later applied. Subsequently, the throne was re-gilded with silver and gold leaf, as it was originally, making use of the bole method. All original engravings were replicated to ensure absolute fidelity to the original.

Parish priest Claude Portelli and members of the Għaqda Dilettanti Knisja ta’ Lapsi thanked the foundation’s board of trustees for their generous support.