Three altarpieces at Għaxaq Parish Church conserved

Abstract

The Għaxaq parish church recently saw the conservation of three significant 18th-century altarpieces: two by Francesco Zahra and one by Dun Carlo Zimech. These works, including "Our Lady of Graces," the "Holy Trinity," and "The Annunciation," were restored by ASC Conservation Centre following years of deterioration and poor past interventions. Scientific investigations informed the removal of non-original overpaints and thick, darkened varnishes that obscured original details. The restoration included complex structural repairs, such as removing heavy relining adhesive from Zahra’s 1740 piece and reinstating adhesion. Through meticulous cleaning and reversible chromatic integration, the project successfully returned these high Baroque masterpieces to their full splendour, reinforcing the thematic cohesion and spiritual identity of the parish.