Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1178032
13 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 OCTOBER 2019 CULTURE ENVIRONMENT Way back in the late 1990s BirdLife proposed the reforesting of a bunch of land as tribute to the upcoming new millennium. The aim was to restore a bit of the natural woodland that Malta has all but lost. Studies were made, experts consulted and veg- etation plans drawn up. We tried to calculate the expense but gave up and went for it anyway. With help from our project partners Din l-Art Ħelwa and PARK, the Foresta 2000 project was a success. The 20,000+ trees and shrubs planted are grow- ing, despite several vandals who over the years chopped down and burned thousands of saplings. The maturing vegetation provides food and shelter to a thriving fauna, not least birds, insects and reptiles. The site 20 years ago was a degraded place overrun by squatters, hunters and illegal offroaders – go take a walk there today and enjoy the feel of a new forest. It's free and open 24/7. Text: Victor Falzon - Photo: Desirée Falzon 682. FORESTA 2000 Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 581: Find out more and try our delicious recipe: www.foemalta.org/goodfood LINA Brockdorff, the story-teller, wanted to tell us stories – and that is definitely what she does here. She goes for simple, easy-to-understand lan- guage and a flowing and pleasant style which, nevertheless, in no way diminishes the pro- foundness that abounds in these short stories. Start flicking through the pages of this book and then delve deeper by reading this collection of short stories that some- times will offer you re- flective moments, at oth- er times relaxing ones, especially at the close of the day, before you dim the light. Qabel Tbaxxi d-Dawl Books Lina Brockdorff RESTORATION and conservation works on the titular painting of the Comino Chapel are at an advanced stage. This project, financially supported by Bank of Valletta, is expected to be completed by mid next year. The painting features a unique subject as it represents the Return of the Holy Family from Egypt on their way back to Nazareth. As a centrepiece, we can prominently see the figure of Jesus being held by Our Lady. Further back, the picture features the figure of St Joseph, and a donkey that transported the Holy Family all the way through their voyage. The painting, an early 18th century oil on can- vas was transported from Comino to PrevArti's laboratory in August. The works on the project commenced imme- diately with a photographic documentation, fol- lowed by an Anoxia Disinfestation Treatment. Cleaning tests were carried out prior to the com- mencement of the full cleaning process which is currently ongoing. The cleaning consists of the removal of old retouching that was done in previ- ous restoration interventions. The project will then enter a second phase where works will focus on the original canvas which will be removed from the inner frame and eventually separated from another canvas, cur- rently attached at the back. This process will serve to preserve and enhance the original canvas. PrevArti's Founder and Senior Conservator Pierre Bugeja, is hoping that at the rear of the original canvas, light will be shed on the author behind this masterpiece, who to date is still un- known. "In the early 18th century, it was quite common that artists were keeping themselves anonymous. However, the frame and the faces of the figures in the painting, are very similar to others featur- ing in paintings found at Nadur Parish church," he said. "Therefore it is not excluded that this painting originates from the hands of one of the artists who are already known to have worked on paint- ings of the Nadur Parish. However, so far we can not say this with certainty." Bank of Valletta's PR & Marketing Executive, Charles Azzopardi during a visit to PrevArti's laboratory in Mosta, praised the work of the re- storers and recalled how the bank through this project continues to fulfill its commitment to pre- serve the art and culture for future generations. "Bank of Valletta is proud to associate itself with projects of this caliber. We felt the need to be part of this project, both because of the artistic value of this masterpiece, as well as for the unique sub- ject it portrays." The chaplain of the Comino Chapel, Mgr Jo- seph Attard, said that once he took charge of the chaplaincy, he immediately felt the need to con- serve this painting. "I am already looking forward to see the comple- tion of the restoration process, and then we will welcome back the painting for public admiration at our chapel in Santa Marija Bay by May 2020." Restoration on Comino titular painting at an advanced stage