The decorative works of Abramo Gatt : a critical study of his design production

Abstract

The master from the Grand Harbour city of Cospicua, where he resided throughout his entire working life, was responsible for the invention of some of the most artistically significant works in the extensive field of the ecclesiastical decorative arts in Malta at the turn of the twentieth century. Gatt enjoyed widespread reputation throughout the Maltese Islands and his name was synonymous with high-quality design invention. Research shows that numerous ecclesiastical establishments across Malta and Gozo sought him out for some of their most ambitious and important liturgical and decorative commissions. These were produced in a variety of media including silver, wood and embroidery. His designs were also appreciated in Italy, where the Milanese firm of ecclesiastical furnishings Antonio Ghezzi & Figlio – Andreoni & Franceschini not only executed his works but included some of them in its official catalogue, as part of their international marketing campaign. [excerpt]