John Lia was introduced to the world of buses by his father. Now he builds models after first drawing their design on cardboard.

Miranda Publishers have had more than 45 books printed over the last 30 years. However, none has given them as much pleasure and satisfaction as the two volumes of Disappearing Malta ­– Crafts, Trades and Traditions 360˚.

Their second volume of the book bringing to life fast-disappearing trades and crafts has just hit bookshelves.

Eddie Aquilina, who with his brother, Tony, is the brains behind Disappearing Malta, said that while working on the book in recent months he realised that “we’re really losing our identity”. The authorities and government are not doing enough to safeguard such crafts.

“We should be doing more to help. They shouldn’t be sidelined. We should come up with innovative ideas to help them get back on their feet,” he said.

The book in fact features Philip Grixti in his fishing tackle shop in St John’s Street, Valletta. Since the book went to print, the shop has closed its doors and will now make way for a boutique hotel.

While working on the book, the publisher realised ‘we’re really losing our identity’

Mr Aquilina said that the most frequent comment he came across during the book’s production was that today’s children do not want to get their hands dirty and suffer.

In fact some tradesmen find it very difficult to find willing apprentices ready to learn the trade or craft.

Farmers Nenu, Grezzju and Fredu Buhagiar and Żaren Pulis till fields outside Żabbar.

Disappearing Malta, with interviews and text by Fiona Vella and photos by Enrico Formica, shines a spotlight on 25 different trades and crafts.

Featured in the volume are nuns who prepare Communion hosts, an ecclesiastical embroiderer, a pipe maker, father and son boat builders, a bus restorer and model maker, harvesters of sea salt, blacksmiths, a traditional tile maker, a cane worker, a modeller of wax figurines and a furniture restorer, among others.

www.mirandabooks.com

John Camilleri’s fishing tackle shop in St John’s Street, Valletta, has closed its doors, making way for a boutique hotel.

The Cini family has been harvesting sea salt at Xwejni, Gozo, for nearly 50 years.

Franciscan sisters of the Heart of Jesus preparing Holy Communion hosts at their convent in Msida.

Paul Bonello has been working as a furniture restorer for over 50 years.