The restoration work on the interior ceiling paintings of the Parish Church of Zurrieq has been started, through funding from Arts Council Malta.
This work was necessitated after that the paintings on the ceiling above the altar had crumbled almost completely, and the need was felt to have a direct intervention that would bring back to life the artistic beauty of this upper part of the ceiling.
The Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici said that, “Due to the damage that the paintings suffered over the years, it has now been decided that these paintings should be redone, and in a way that complements the artistic works that already exist in the Żurrieq Parish Church.”
He said that the Government is committed to continue investing in the religious patrimony of our country and claimed that this work joins a series of interventions that have taken place in various churches and chapels spread throughout Malta.
The architect in charge of the works, Daniel Darmanin, explained: “A temporary roof made of beams and wood has been built, to create access to the roof, while the space in the Church can continue to be used while it is being built the work. This temporary roof will give the opportunity for the existing damages to be studied closely and the necessary interventions will be screened before the painting can be done.”
These paintings will be painted by the Artist Manuel Farrugia.
Present for this news conference were also the Members of the Zurrieq Local Council and the Archpriest Daniel Cardona.
This project will be implemented with an investment of EUR 60,000, partially co-funded by Arts Council Malta.
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