A remarkable chapter in the conservation of Birgu’s artistic and religious heritage will unfold this Sunday with the unveiling of the recently restored predella forming the structural and visual foundation of the processional ensemble dedicated to St Dominic.

Designed in 1903 by Birgu master craftsman Giuseppe Decelis, the predella is far more than a decorative component of the statue’s processional apparatus. It is an outstanding example of Maltese craftsmanship, where refined aesthetic design is combined with sophisticated technical solutions developed specifically for ceremonial and processional use.

Richly inlaid and carefully constructed, the predella incorporates an ingenious concealed mechanical system which allows the pre

della to be raised smoothly from the lower plinth. This mechanism significantly reduces the physical effort required when inserting the carrying poles, making the preparation of the statue for procession considerably easier.

The system is particularly noteworthy because it remains largely hidden from view. Its design demonstrates the technical ingenuity of its maker and an advanced understanding of structural stability, weight distribution and the practical requirements associated with the annual procession. In this respect, the predella represents an important example of how traditional Maltese craftsmanship combined artistic expression with highly functional

 engineering.

The ensemble itself was constructed using a diverse selection of high-quality timbers, including mahogany, ebony, walnut, iroko, boxwood and redwood. While the more precious and decorative woods contribute to the ensemble’s elaborate visual character, redwood was used primarily for internal and rear structural components. The careful selection and combination of these materials have contributed to the predella’s durability while allowing for the rich decorative finish that characterises the work.

After more than a century of use, the conservation of such an important object required a particularly sensitive approach. The restoration was entrusted to Atelier Del Restauro, under the direction of Dame Valentina Lupo, whose team undertook the work with the aim of preserving both the artistic qualities and the functional integrity of Decelis’s original creation.

The restoration provides an opportunity not only to safeguard an important element of the St Dominic processional ensemble, but also to highlight the remarkable level of craftsmanship achieved by Maltese artisans at the beginning of the twentieth century. Every timber, inlay and concealed mechanism forms part of a larger story—one connecting artistry, engineering, devotion and the living traditions of Birgu.

The restored predella will be seen publicly on Sunday morning, when the statue of St Dominic is taken out of its niche following the 10.00am Mass. This moment will offer devotees and the wider community the first opportunity to appreciate the restored work as it returns to its traditional setting beneath the statue.

The official inauguration, however, will take place later that evening during a special concert at the Conventual Church of the Annunciation and St Dominic in Birgu. The evening will also include a detailed presentation on the restoration, providing an opportunity to learn more about the history of the predella, the techniques employed by Giuseppe Decelis and the conservation work undertaken by Atelier Del Restauro.

The return of the predella is therefore more than a restoration of an historic object. It is the preservation of a piece of Birgu’s identity and of a living tradition that has connected generations of the city’s community with the devotion to St Dominic.

As the restored ensemble once again takes its place in the life of the church and the streets of Birgu, the craftsmanship of Giuseppe Decelis—created in 1903—will continue to serve its original purpose, while its artistic and technical significance can now be appreciated and safeguarded for generations to come.