The Notarial Archives volume holding the grant of the George Cross to Malta has undergone conservation treatment through a successful collaboration between Din l-Art Ħelwa and the Notarial Archives Foundation.   The initiative was taken up following a guided visit last year to the Notarial Archives for Din l-Art Ħelwa members on the initiative of former council member Ian Camilleri.  The restoration was carried out by paper conservator Alejandra Molano Contreras.  The volume required various interventions, such as surface cleaning, removal of old repairs, spine repair, and cover repair. A protective enclosure was created to house the volume safely and securely. All treatments were carried out using the highest quality grade conservation materials and following current and international conservation practice and work ethic. The conservation treatment was carried out under the supervision of Head of Conservation Dr Theresa Zammit Lupi. The collaboration between Din l-Art Ħelwa, whose members raised funds for the preservation of the volume, and the Notarial Archives Foundation has contributed towards the endeavour of preserving Maltese national paper heritage and is hoped to lead to further collaborations.

 

The George Cross was awarded by His Majesty King George VI to the Maltese nation on 5 April 1942 for the valour and perseverance displayed during the Second World War. The deed was published in the Hall of St Michael and St George at the Governor’s Palace, Valletta in the presence of His Grace Monsignor Michael Gonzi, Metropolitan Archbishop of Malta, on 7 February 1947. The Maltese population had undergone a complete disruption of everyday life, having faced food shortages and been the target of incessant bombings by the Axis forces. The volume preserves the record of this significant part of Maltese history and that of its people.

 

The volume contains the enrolment of the act drawn by the Chief Notary to Government, Dr Carmelo Farrugia. The contract is between H. E. Frances Campbell Ross Douglas, Governor and Commander in Chief of the Island of Malta and its Dependencies, and His Honour Sir George Borg, Chief Justice and President of His Majesty’s Court of Appeal, “wherein King George VI being desirous that for the greater honour and distinction of the Island of Malta” grants that a representation of the George Cross proper is placed on a canton azure to be borne for the Island of Malta and its dependencies upon seals, shields, banners or otherwise according to the law of arms.  The volume also contains other notarial deeds, such as sales of land, reconstruction of damaged accommodation and the supply of provisions and fuel, which further preserve aspects of the past of Malta and the culture of its population.

 

The launch was attended by the Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government, Dr Owen Bonnici, officials of Din l-Art Ħelwa and the President of the Malta George Cross Island Association, Judge Joseph Galea Debono.