Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546133
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 AUGUST 2026 Keeping heritage alive, one thread at a time For more than 300 years, the magnificent Gobelins tapestries of the Grand Mas- ter's Palace have witnessed Malta's history unfold. They have silently observed meet- ings of the Order of St John, constitutional milestones, and the evolution of a na- tion, all while remaining in the very chamber for which they were created. Today, these extraordinary works of art – the only complete sur- viving set woven from the original 18th-century Gobe- lins cartoons – are once again on display following one of the most significant conservation projects ever undertaken on them. Although the tapestries had undergone occasional con- servation over the centuries, including a major restora- tion at the Gobelins manu- factory in Paris in 1910, time had inevitably left its mark. More recently, Heritage Mal- ta's textile conservators had carried out interventions to safeguard individual piec- es. However, as part of the wider restoration of the Grand Master's Palace, it be- came clear that the entire set required comprehensive conservation to ensure its survival for generations to come. The task was entrusted to the internationally re- nowned De Wit Royal Manufacturers in Belgium, specialists in tapestry con- servation. In June 2024, each tapestry was carefully re- moved from the walls of the Tapestry Chamber, gently rolled, packed into specially designed crates, and trans- ported to Belgium, where an almost two-year conserva- tion journey began. Every stage of the process demanded exceptional precision. The restoration opened with the careful re- moval of accumulated dust using specialised vacuum techniques. The old hanging hooks and linings were re- moved, allowing conserva- tors to clean both the front and reverse of every tapes- try. Before washing could begin, extensive colour-fast- ness tests were carried out to ensure the historic dyes would remain stable. The washing itself was a meticulous operation. Each tapestry was laid flat inside a specially designed wash- ing chamber and slowly saturated with carefully controlled sprays of water and conservation-grade detergent. Throughout the process, conservators close- ly monitored water temper- ature, detergent levels, and the condition of the textiles. Washing continued until the water emerging from the tapestries ran completely clear, signalling that dec- ades of dirt had finally been removed. Drying was equally delicate. Large absorbent towels re- moved excess moisture be- fore vacuum systems and controlled airflow gradual- ly completed the process. Once dry, each tapestry underwent detailed exam- ination to identify weak- ened silk, worn wool, insect damage, fraying, and small losses. These vulnerable areas were painstakingly reinforced using conserva- tion materials dyed to blend seamlessly with the original fibres, before new protec- tive linings were carefully stitched onto the reverse. The restored tapestries re- turned to Malta in April 2026 and were rehung in the new- ly restored Tapestry Cham- ber. A new mounting system now distributes their weight more evenly while allowing them to be removed more safely and efficiently when- ever future conservation be- comes necessary. This project is far more than a technical achievement. It is a testament to interna- tional collaboration, spe- cialist craftsmanship, and Heritage Malta's long-term commitment to preserving the nation's cultural treas- ures. By combining centu- ries-old artistry with modern conservation science, this remarkable undertaking has ensured that one of Malta's greatest artistic masterpiec- es can continue telling its story for centuries to come. THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION