During various occasions, especially the village festa, one can encounter exhibits of church models; some of them consisting of a scale-model of an altar decorated for the occasion, or even a model of a whole church. Sometimes the model is large enough for the visitor to enter into it and admire its details.

However, many other individuals have such models that they would exhibit privately, for their own enjoyment. Whatever the case, setting up a church model often involves delicate work to make sure that every detail is properly done according to the Maltese ecclesiastical tradition.

Altar models

In fact when one looks at the model of an altar one can admire (and sometimes gasp) at the details which make the altar a perfect replica of what one may find on an altar in a Maltese church. The altar itself, with its marbled surfaces is already a masterpiece on its own. However, it is yet incomplete without the necessary embellishments and details. First, one may start with the candlesticks that are an essential feature of an altar. The material from which they are done may vary according to one’s budget; from cheaper materials like lead to more expensive types of metal. Usually there are two rows of candlesticks, the second one (placed on the lower mantel) being slightly smaller and lower than the other set. To complement them, a crucifix on a stand stands in the middle, often on the tabernacle. Between the candlesticks there are small vases with flowers, on real altars they are usually made of ganutell but in this case they are often made of fabric and even small beads. To give the altar a more solemn look, the tabernacle is often covered with a cape, often made of velvet with gold embroidery. This does not apply only to real altars but even to the small model ones, where no detail is spared. The cape is complemented by the altar-cloth, often made on a similar design. Other liturgical objects are placed on the altar or nearby such as chalices, censers, monstrances and even reliquaries. Despite their small size, they resemble the real ones found in churches, and the more detailed they are; the higher their price. But like any other hobby or pastime, money does not really become an issue.

Church scale models

Some people like to model a whole church. Some are happy to just model it from the outside; the materials used are various; stone, wood, clay or cardboard. Some of these models may be created from imagination; others are perfect replicas of real churches found in Malta and Gozo. Apart from that, church models made from matchsticks are surely those that attract the most attention, as building a church from small matchsticks is by no means an easy task, and requires time and patience.

Others wish to model the church from the inside with all the typical details, and this is where all the craftsmanship comes to life. First of all, there is the interior of the church with all the altars and paintings that one may expect to find in a typical Maltese church. There is also the ceiling and the dome, often covered in painting and/or sculpture. However, there are other details that often attract the attraction of visitors. Apart from the afore-mentioned altar embellishments, there are other details that despite their size are similar to the real objects. The church walls are often covered in damask cloth, red for the feast time, black for Holy Week. The chandeliers, so typical of the festive season, are very decorative. They are sometimes made of plastic or small bits of crystal. There are also chandeliers made from sequins that, placed together create a lovely effect. The standards and objects that belong to the confraternities are also important details in a church model.

Church models were very popular during the pre-war era but following the Second World War, their popularity began to wane, and there was the risk that this hobby would become extinct. To prevent this from happening, the Ghaqda Dilettanti Mudelli ta’ Knejjes was set up in 1986, and thanks to it, this hobby saw a great revival. In fact, this group boasts a good number of members and is still going strong.

The annual exhibition

When one mentions this group, the annual exhibition quickly comes to mind. This exhibition that is now well established in the Maltese Calendar is held during the first two weeks in Lent, this year from Saturday 28 February to Saturday 14 March. Lately it has been held in the hall underneath St Francis church in Melita Street, Valletta, as in this year’s case too. The exhibition will be officially opened on Friday 27 February. The exhibits are varied although they all have one theme: religious folklore and traditions. To commemorate the Pauline year, a special area in this exhibition is reserved for exhibits connected with the Apostle of the Gentiles and Patron Saint of Malta. One should note that the exhibits are all of the members; and one may proudly say that till now, the exhibition was always of a high standard.

Entrance is free, though donations are accepted. Should anyone be interested in joining the group as a member, may do so while visiting by contacting the ushers present.

Kevin Muscat

P.R.O.