A 250-year-old bell was lifted back to its place on the right hand belfry of the Dingli parish church this morning.
The bell was made in 1762 by Aloisio Bouchut, a master of the art of his time and a member of the Knights of St John. Bouchut constructed over 40 bells, particularly two large ones for the St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, and also constructed a distinct medallion depicting the figure of Our Lady’s Annunciation on the bell made for the Dingli parish church.
The bell was taken for restoration around a year ago, a process that required particular attention and specialization, especially considering its age. The process it was put through was delicate and methodical in nature, and a crack on medallion needed a mix of welding, pre-heating and controlled cooling techniques to prevent further damage.
Photos Alenka Falzon
The works on the bell were carried out by the English company Soundweld, which had also worked on two other bells from St John’s Co-cathedral and the Conventual Franciscans in Valletta.
The funds for the restoration of the bell included a €15,000 payment from the Good Causes Fund.