At the start of Lent, a number of policemen are dispensed from their work to start mixing salt with powdered colours in preparation for the Last Supper Display at the Vilhena Hall at the Police Headquarters in Floriana
As part of the display, this year the team decided to re-create a number of Caravaggio paintings to mark the 400th anniversary of his arrival in Malta. The paintings are: The Taking of Christ, Christ at the Column, Ecce Homo, Deposition from the Cross, Doubting Thomas and The Supper at Emmaus.
Apart from the salt frescoes, the exhibition consists of a replica of the Last Supper table according to Jewish custom, with miniature statues of the apostles. Coat of arms of each apostle will be placed on the table. At the end of the hall, there is a replica of the Golgotha, while in a room on the side, there is a replica of Christ’s tomb.
The display was first held 16 years ago on the initiative of three policemen sharing common interests and backgrounds. Superintendent Raymond Vella Gregory, Sergeant Mario Ebejer and Constable Pierre Bugeja decided to have a go at creating a Last Supper display specifically at the Police Headquarters.
Their first simple reproductions of art pieces created by the laying of coloured salt and semolina grew into a more elaborate exhibition. In fact, Constable Mario Muscat joined the team four years ago to create cardboard-and-paper models of Roman armour and symbols associated with the Passion of Christ. The team grew further as John Camoin joined in two years ago. He is not a policeman, but according to Superintendent Vella Gregory, he is a very good friend of the Police Force.
The exhibition immediately gained support from the police commissioners and admiration from the public. Superintendent Vella Gregory highlighted the strong support given by Commissioner John Rizzo and Deputy Commissioner Joe Cachia.
After Holy Week, the salt plates are thrown away. “We feel sad when we throw away our own creations, however, we immediately start discussing next year’s theme and how to improve our display,” said Superintendent Vella Gregory.
The display will be opened by Archbishop Paul Cremona OP on Friday 30 March. It will be open to the public from Saturday 31 March to Wednesday 4 April between 8am and noon and 5pm and 9pm. On Maundy Thursday, the exhibition will be open from 8am to midnight, on Good Friday from 8am to 8pm, on Easter Saturday from 8am to noon and 5pm to 9pm and on Easter Sunday between 8am to noon. Organised groups can contact the Police on 2122-4001.
Visitors are advised not to touch the salt plates as they are not glued together and they are extremely fragile.