Excelsior Lecce Treasures, Miniature of Heaven

'Excelsior' is the first name that was given to the locality today known as Marsa. This is also the name given to the Youth Section within the Holy Trinity Band Club who were the organisers of the exhibition 'Lecce Treasures, Miniature of Heaven'. After the success of the first art exhibition held two years ago at the same Band Club, this year another art exhibition was organised which feature religious paper Mache statues that used to be created in Lecce, Italy.

The main bond between Malta and Lecce is the tradition of paper Mache statues. During the 19th and 20th century in Lecce paper mache was not only a tradition but it was an industry and these types of art works are considered to be of the highest quality.

The tradition of paper mache works goes back to the 16th century. Paper Mache in Lecce was made in a different manner when compared to the methods used in Malta. The shape of the corpse and of the head used to be filled with layers of thick paper until it was thick enough. Finally the statue was made compact by mixing glue made from flour and also carpenter's glue. The clothes were made of very thick paper instead of sacks. Sometimes the head, hands and legs were also made of terracotta. This method was adapted from Naples except for the clothing which in this region was made of real cloths.

The techniques used particularly in the 19th and 20th century will be renowned for the creativity involved. One must also bear in mind that at that times there weren't any sophisticated tools to create such statues, thus their value is exceptional. Nowadays, these types of statues are no longer being manufactured with the same techniques and type of paper Mache used years ago.

The works of art that were exhibited were gently donated by private collectors.

The exhibition was held on the following dates:

• Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th October
• Saturday 25th October
• Sunday 26th October

This event was supported by the Malta Tourism Authority