The Bells of Malta (1370-1900) : an art historical consideration

Abstract

Bells are works of art, albeit functional ones but their appearance is less important than how they sound. Nevertheless, and because man is innately creative, their cast decoration is an art form in itself worthy of study and documentation. The principal scope of this work is to study the bells of Malta in an art historical context. Published material on Maltese bells has up to now, been largely sketchy, anecdotal and often based on hearsay. There are several explanations for this unscientific approach. Because of their location, bells are often physically inaccessible and their study has to be limited to the available archive material. Research and observation are not always possible where the bells are on private property or enclosed in monasteries. In some instances the owners or superiors of monastic orders are reluctant to place their documents at the disposal of the researcher who often has to rely solely on photographs using long lenses. This means that some bells can never be seen and studied in their entirety. In addition to the condition of most bells, exposed as they are to the elements, denies the researcher vital information. Another drawback is the current condition of several archives. Except for the one at the Mdina Cathedral Museum, which is adequately looked after, several others are either incomplete or are in a pitiful state.