Restoration of the Street Shrine Dedicated to Saint Paul – Ħal Għargħur

 

Restoration of the Street Shrine Dedicated to Saint Paul, Ħal Għargħur

There are several street shrines dedicated to St. Paul in Ħal Għargħur. One of the most notable stands in Misraħ il-Knisja, at the end of Triq Mons Luigi Catania. This shrine, rising nine courses high on a private façade within the town square, is adorned with baroque detailing. It features an arzella (shell fluting) framed by pilasters with Doric capitals, resting on a wide moulding decorated with leaf motifs. The statue of St. Paul follows the style of the renown Valletta statue attributed to Melchiorre Gafa.1 While the sculptor and date of this monument remain unknown, historian L. Wettinger (1991)2 notes that the niche was constructed along with the adjoining façade in the late 19th h century.3 4

Street shrine of St. Paul, Ħal Għargħur, before and after restoration.

 

The Restoration Process

Restoration began with preliminary testing on hidden sections of the shrine and statue, using gentle manual cleaning to ensure safe methods before extending the process to the entire monument. Once proven effective, soiling and biological growth were eliminated using dry nylon brushes followed by de-ionised water.  Lime-rich mortar was used to replace unsuitable cement mortar joints.  Any traces of paint were carefully cleaned away.

References:

  1. Calleja C, (2011) The Influence of Melchiorre Cafa’s St. Paul and the Virgin of the Rosary on Maltese Baroque Sculpture. Page 17. [Unpublished Masters Dissertation. University of Malta].
  2. Wettinger, L. (1991). Nicec F’Hal-Gharghur. In Excelsior (pp. 18-19).
  3. Bezzina, J. (2009). Hal Gharghur, Ir-Rahal fuq L-Gholja, Erba’ mixjiet f’rahal li Jsahhrek. Gharghur.
  4. Terribile, T. (1997). Nicec u statwi fit-toroq tal-Gharghur.