Gozo Lace Day

The University of Malta Gozo Centre last Sunday held its eighth Gozo Lace Day.

The annual event features various exhibitions, demonstrations and talks on lace making.

Gozo Centre administrator Joseph Calleja told The Sunday Times that this year, for the first time, lace studies have been upgraded to the level of a university certificate. A diploma level has been approved and those completing the certificate will be able to join. "This has been a major step forward in lace studies and will promote study and research in the cultural, technical and historical aspects of the traditional art of lace making."

The event was introduced by Professor Maurice Cauchi, a member of the University of Malta Gozo Centre board. The Lace Making Programme's co-ordinator, Consiglia Azzopardi, spoke on the aspirations of those who seek to attend lace making courses at the centre.

She explained how such courses will raise the level of Maltese lace making to that of major European lace-making countries, such as Belgium, Holland, France, Italy and Spain.

Mr Speaker Anton Tabone praised the University's decision for Maltese lace to be studied as an academic subject. Referring to the fact that Ms Azzopardi obtained a degree in M.Phil. in the history of Maltese lace, he said that the art is no longer considered a poor craft but rather as an established art with researched history, updated technique and authentic design.

An interesting discussion on lace in Church vestments was also delivered by Mgr Lawrence Sciberras.

The event included exhibitions featuring the Lace Programme projects and textile crafts as well stalls by the International Organisation of Needle and Bobbin Lace (OIDFA) and the Malta Lace Guild. Demonstrations on pillow covering, card weaving and cord making by ATC were also given with information on short courses. A number of strands with lace-making materials were also mounted by the Koperattiva Ghawdxija tal-Bizzilla u Artigjanat.