Heritage Malta has found a most fitting way to kick off a programme of events marking its 10th anniversary, with an exhibition showcasing the vital work performed by its conservation departments.

The exhibition, entitled ‘Back to Life’, shows how painstakingly careful work by highly trained and professional Heritage Malta conservators bring damaged cultural heritage artefacts back to life.

This exhibition displays artefacts before and after conservation, and explain how extensively damaged artefacts can still be conserved.

The exhibits on display range from textile items including a restored tapestry, archaeological objects, books, works of art on paper, paintings, metal objects d’art, a polychrome sculpture of the Ecce Homo and 18th century armour.

One particular exhibit, which is being shown before being restored, is a rare child’s 18th century Maltese bureau. Only a rich aristocratic family could have afforded such a luxury. A conservator will also be on site doing restoration work on a painting.

Heritage Malta has six departments focusing on the conservation of artefacts; the Paintings Department, the Textiles Department, the Books and Paper Department, the Objects Department (which deals mainly with ceramics, glass, metal and stone), the Wood and Furniture Department and the Diagnostic Science Department.

The latter supports the conservator-restorers with various scientific analyses to determine the constituent materials, the composition and structure of the artefact and the deterioration factors which affect it.

The ‘Back to Life’ exhibition is being held at the Heritage Malta Showcase in Melita Street, Valletta, until 23 February. The exhibition is open daily, including Sundays, from 9.30am until 5.15pm.

For further information, Heritage Malta can be contacted on 23954000.