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.