Traditional Parchment-Making Revived In Malta Through Ġilduża Project
A significant milestone has been reached in the development of the Ġilduża Project, as the Malta Public Abattoir and the Notarial Archives Foundation hosted an international parchment-making workshop and seminar in Malta.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to revive traditional parchment production on the islands through a combination of craftsmanship, conservation, scientific research and sustainability.
Co-funded by the European Union under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the project brings together key partners including the Notarial Archives Foundation, the Malta Public Abattoir and expert Dr Jiří Vnouček.
It also involves collaboration with local sheep and goat farmers, supporting a wider ecosystem linked to rural production and heritage practices.
Following early experimental workshops in 2024 and the securing of EU funding in 2025, Ġilduża has now entered a new phase with its first official international training event.
The four-day workshop offered participants hands-on experience in traditional parchment-making techniques, including preparing animal skins, dehairing, stretching and finishing. Such knowledge has become increasingly rare across Europe, where mechanisation has largely replaced traditional methods.
Alongside the workshop, a public seminar titled ‘The Secrets of Parchment’ explored the material’s historical, scientific and cultural significance. Experts highlighted how parchment can serve as a record of both human activity and animal life, opening new avenues for conservation and research.
Government and project representatives emphasised the initiative’s role in promoting sustainability, reducing waste and strengthening cultural heritage.
By reintroducing parchment production locally, Ġilduża also aims to reduce reliance on imported materials while creating new opportunities for artisans and farmers.
Those interested in following the project’s progress may visit nafmalta.org/gilduza
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