A number of paintings at Our Lady of Loreto old church in Għajnsielem, are being restored. They include the titular painting by Żejtun-born artist Mikiel Busuttil. The restoration is being supported by Bank of Valletta.
The old parish church was built between 1810 and 1820. In 1820, Busuttil’s painting was carried in a procession from Nadur and placed above the main altar of what was the parish church at the time.
Almost 200 years later, the painting is in dire need of restoration. The task of was entrusted to Emanuel Zammit. Fr Frankie Bajada, Għajnsielem’s parish priest, and Kenneth Micallef, head, CEO’s office at BOV, recently paid a visit to Mr Zammit’s workshop to see the progress.
“It is fascinating to see that some parts of Busuttil’s original painting were painted over by Giuseppe Cali. In fact, the style of the painting is closer to Cali’s, who also painted other works at the church,” said the restorer.
“Most of Our Lady’s dress was painted over. We are going through the painstaking process of removing the top layer of paint to reveal the original painting underneath. The removal of the top layer has also revealed the original artist’s signature and date,” Mr Zammit said.
“The painting is also being subjected to a cleaning process to remove a number of layers of varnish that have deteriorated over the years and are now covering up the vibrant colours.”