Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1152248
maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 7 AUGUST 2019 12 CULTURE ART MAPFRE MSV Life is support- ing a major project that is set to commence in the coming weeks that involves extensive restora- tion and conservation works on the marouflage paintings by Guzeppi Briffa (1901-1987) found at the Sa- cred Heart of Jesus church in Nadur, Gozo. The sponsorship was presented by David Demarco, Chief Financial Of- ficer of MAPFRE MSV life during a visit to the Church where he met Amy Sciberras, the fine arts conser- vator and restorer who is spearhead- ing this project following extensive studies that she carried out over the past years on the state of these paintings. Also present was Justine Balzan Demajo who is supporting the fund raising efforts required for this pro- ject. Sciberras explained that the resto- ration program aims to conserve and restore the iconic works of Guzeppi Briffa; his marouflage paintings that decorate the entire ceiling and dome are of historical and artistic signifi- cance. The marouflage painting tech- nique relies on the attachment of canvases to the wall by means of an adhesive, thus becoming an integral part of the architectural structure. Besides Briffa's marouflages deco- rating the dome, nave, transepts and the choir, other important art works within the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus include the canvas paintings which decorate the lower walls and are all works of renowned artists such as Giacomo D'Esposito (1856-1921), Filippo Venuti (XIX) and Lazzaro Pisani (1854-1932) Mr. Demarco said that MAPFRE MSV Life was delighted to extend its support towards this project as part of its contribution towards our cul- tural heritage. "This project will add value to our communities through the preserva- tion of these paintings of important artistic and historical significance ensuring that they can continue to be appreciated by future genera- tions," Demarco said. He congratulated Sciberras and her team for undertaking such an important and ambitious initiative. The conservation and restoration include the urgent repairs of the architectural fabric, the improve- ment of the roofing system, and in- stallation of downpipes, repairs of aperture, first-aid treatments of the marouflage paintings – both in the nave and the dome, and full conser- vation-restoration treatments of the ceiling and dome marouflage paint- ings. MAPFRE MSV Life supports major restoration project to save iconic paintings