The atmosphere at Casa Rocca Piccola was charged with anticipation, as 88 competing items of exquisite lace were brought in for the first ever Malta Lace Prize competition. Launched last September by Casa Rocca Piccola, the competition was held in conjunction with HSBC Cares For Malta’s Heritage Fund.

The judging was held on Sunday at Casa Rocca Piccola, with the judges being Professor Mario Buhagiar, Consiglia Azzopardi, Dennis Vella, Marquis de Piro, Evelyn Baluci, Pat Houlton, Anna Balzan and Philip Farrugia Randon.

Consideration was given to originality of design, technical skill adapted to the designed item, the presentation of the finished article and the relationship or congruency of the lace to the culture, history and traditions of these islands. Consideration was also given to the magnitude of the undertaking and to the quality of the item produced.

Very special efforts had been made with the pieces submitted, and the expressions on the faces of the lacemakers handing over the fruits of their hard work were concerned with the safety of the beautiful items as they parted with them for the judging. “It is almost like handing over one of your children,” said one of the contestants.

The items in the competition will be on show at Casa Rocca Piccola in Republic Street, Valletta in the Summer Dining Room until Saturday and the prize-giving ceremony will take place on Sunday, when the winner will be presented with an HSBC cheque for Lm500.

“This first ever Malta Lace Competition is of national interest,” said Nicholas De Piro from Casa Rocca Piccola. “Over the past few years, Maltese lace has undergone an important revival, not only as a textile craft and a tourist attraction, but, more importantly, due to its cultural and traditional value. Casa Rocca Piccola believes that, through this competition, and in association with HSBC Cares for Malta’s Heritage Fund, it is further encouraging the revival of such an important part of Malta’s unique heritage.”

Hand-made lace has managed to preserve its authenticity over time, using techniques such as silk-thread, bobbins, card-weaving and the Maltese pillow, and by including the Maltese cross in the different patterns.