Restoration of St Dominic Church Birgu’s Annunciation Painting

The titular painting of the Annunciation of Mary at the Church of St Dominic in Birgu has been successfully restored, thanks to the collaboration and financial support of the Cottonera Foundation, operating under the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government.

The large canvas, painted in 1959 by renowned Maltese artist Emvin Cremona, is considered one of his masterpieces and holds an important place in Malta’s artistic and religious heritage.

The restoration project involved extensive cleaning as well as the reconstruction of sections where paint had been completely lost.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, together with Cottonera Foundation Chairman Joe Mizzi, visited the site to view the completed work.

They were informed of the detailed conservation process, which aimed to bring new life to the historic artwork while ensuring its long-term preservation.

Zerafa Civelli emphasised the importance of safeguarding cultural and religious heritage within the Cottonera region, describing such projects as essential for protecting traditions that remain deeply significant to local communities.

She underlined the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve Malta’s patrimony for future generations.

Chairman Mizzi noted the restoration was completed in time for the feast of St Dominic, celebrated in the church the following week.

He said this was one of several ongoing initiatives being undertaken in Cottonera churches, many of which include conservation and restoration efforts.

Prior Aaron Zahra of the Dominican community expressed gratitude to both the Foundation and the government, highlighting the spiritual and artistic value of the painting.

Restorer Valentina Lupo added that, following cleaning and reconstruction, a protective varnish with UV filter was applied to safeguard the work.

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Photo Source: DOI – Omar Camilleri