A fine selection of Sicilian ceramics and cribs from Caltagirone together with items of antique furniture will be sold between Saturday and Wednesday with all proceeds going towards the boys of St Patrick’s Salesian School.
The ceramics in Caltagirone have their origin in mediaeval times as the various fragments of pottery discovered in certain locations can prove. The ceramics highlight a unique personality in style and decorative beauty known as the best produced in Sicily but different from that of Sciacca and Santo Stefano di Camastra, both in Sicily.
Various historians refer to Malta because the Order of the Knights of Malta used to order their ceramics from Caltagirone. These included principally decorative vases for medical use. Various vases that originated from Caltagirone can be found in museums and palaces in Malta. Today, in Caltagirone one can find various workshops of famous ceramic artists and there are whole families who dedicate their life to artistic ceramics and offer a valid attraction to tourists and visitors.
All the works at the sale are by the master of ceramic art Mario Di Liberto, who began his apprenticeship as a young man, working in the pottery workshops of famous masters of the art in Caltagirone. He continued his studies at the State Institute of Ceramic Art in Caltagirone, founded by Don Luigi Struzo. There he received the Master of Arts and Theory of Arts diplomas. Finally, he specialised in “ceramic restoration”.
For the last 30 years he has been working at his ceramic workshop in Caltagirone, winning several prizes at art and ceramic exhibitions. Many of his works can be found in exhibitions and private collections as well as in public and ecclesiastical buildings. At present his art works are for sale at the Mostra Mercato Permanente di Caltagirone.
He occasionally lectures on ceramics at scholastic institutions.
Organised by the Salesians of Don Bosco in Malta, the grand sale will take place at St Patrick’s Salesian School, St John Bosco Street, Sliema between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.