Lecture – The Conservation and Restoration of Villa Francia in Lija

The new season of monthly public lectures organised by Din l-Art Helwa is set to begin on Thursday 9th October 2008, with a lecture by architect Claude Borg.

The talk will outline the conservation and restoration of the beautiful and historic 17th-century country house known as ‘Villa Francia’ in Lija, which has recently been completed.

This important project was carried out for the Office of the Prime Minister by the Works Department under the supervision of Claude Borg. It involved the detailed restoration of both the exterior and the interior of the building, including the unusual wall and soffit paintings, as well as the magnificent baroque garden.

Claude Borg is an architect who has specialised in the restoration and conservation of sites and monuments. He was involved in setting up the Restoration Unit at the Works Department, and the Documentation Unit at Bighi. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Valletta Rehabilitation Project. He has been involved in various restoration projects, particularly in Valletta.

The lecture will take place at Din l-Art Helwa, 133 Melita Street, Valletta, at 18.00 hrs. The lecture is open to the public and anyone interested in attending is kindly requested to be seated by 17.45 hrs. Entrance is free of charge, but donations to Din l-Art Helwa’s many restoration projects will be greatly appreciated.