A vast collection of chests of drawers from the 18th and early 19th century, featuring inlaying and lion heads and other sculpted motifs is on display at an antiques shop, run by a couple, Mario and Maria Agius.

The idea started out when Mr Agius first bought an antique chest of drawers for their home. The first piece to ever really draw Ms Agius in was an old painting of Baby Jesus lying on the cross. The couple’s personal collection has grown ever since.

The shop, which was opened in 1991, focuses solely on genuine furniture pieces that form part of Maltese history and past heritage. Other items in the gallery include authentic glass domes, bisque figurines, devotional religious artefacts, lusters, clocks and other rare and interesting items.

Apart from being suitable for traditional homes, the collection of chests is also ideal for a modern and contemporary interior, as they blend in effortlessly.

Furniture often outlasts the customs it was originally created for, providing an enduring link with a gently vanishing past.

For more information, call 2155 2830 or 9925 3177, e-mail mariavgc@gmail.com or visit the gallery near Ġgantija Temples in John Otto Bayer Street, Xagħra, which is open from Monday to Saturday between 8am and noon and 3 to 7pm. The shop is open by appointment on Sundays.