Din L-Art Ħelwa has teamed up with the Notarial Archives Foundation to continue preserving the nation’s paper heritage.

Following a recent visit to the Notarial Archives organised by Din L-Art Ħelwa volunteers, Din L-Art Ħelwa has embarked on a series of fundraising activities to sponsor the conservation of the original deed of the George Cross Volume at the Notarial Archives.

The donation was made today during a launch organised by Din L-Art Ħelwa. The George Cross was awarded by His Majesty King George VI to the Maltese nation for the valour and perseverance displayed during the World War II on the 956th day of the War – 15 April 1942.

The volume sponsored by Din L-Art Ħelwa contains a copy of the George Cross Grant issued by Buckingham Palace in 1942 and the enrolment of the act granting permission to place a representation of the George Cross on the Maltese flag drawn by the Chief Notary to Government, Carmelo Farrugia on February 7, 1947.

At the time, the Maltese population had undergone a complete disruption of everyday life, having faced food shortages and been the target of incessant bombings by the Axis forces.

The volume preserves the record of this significant part of Maltese history and that of its people.

The volume also contains other notarial deeds, such as sales of land with accompanying site plans, reconstruction of war damaged accommodation and the supply of provisions and fuel.

These add to the high value of notarial deeds which preserve aspects of Malta’s past and of the culture of its population.

The conservation treatment of this volume sponsored will require various interventions, such as surface cleaning, removal of old repairs, spine repair, and cover repair.

Furthermore, a protective enclosure will be created to house the volume safely and securely. All treatments will be carried out using the highest quality grade conservation materials and following current and international conservation practice and work ethic.