The Cappella Ardente is a monumental 18th century polychrome catafalque designed by architect Roman Carapecchia during the time of Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena. The artifact had been stored in adverse conditions for over twenty years.

The lack of original plans and its advanced state of deterioration called for scientific approach to study the structure and to establish a proper intervention treatment that culminated in the successful re-erection of the catafalque.

The Malta Historical Society, as part of its Lecture Series 2013-2014, is holding a public lecture, which will be delivered in English, by James Saliba on ‘The Cappella Ardente and its Restoration.’

James Saliba will discuss, the artistic values and manufacturing technique of the catafalque, its deterioration and its restoration, while highlighting new intriguing facts.

James Saliba is a professional conservator-restorer who has worked in the art and heritage sector as a conservator, restore lecturer and consultant. Awarded the Henry Morel scholarship in 1999 to follow a course in conservation and restoration wooden artefacts at the Istituto per il Restauro Ligneo, Città di Piacenza-Reggia di Caserta.

He graduated as Restaurato d’Opere d’Arte su Supporto Ligneo, in 2002 and later read for a Bachelor’s degree in History of Art and Archaeology at the University of Malta. In 2010 he was awarded a research and training grant to follow post-graduate studies in Wood Conservation Science, offered by Heritage Malta in collaboration with DEISTAF Department, University of Florence. Research was concluded in January 2012.

In 2011 he attended the European Science Foundation Training School in Wood Cultural Heritage Conservation focusing primarily on Advanced X-Ray and Optical Techniques.

The lecture will take place next Tuesday, the 28th of May, at The Sacristy, St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta, starting at 6.00pm.

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