Restoration of a Historic Manuscript

Rotary Club La Valette is proud to support the preservation of Malta’s rich historical heritage by sponsoring the restoration of one volume (Vol VII P2) out of a collection of 17 of the Santo Uffizio Cartolario (1793–1797), a collection of manuscripts from the Vittoriosa Capitular Archives that provides crucial insights into Malta’s ecclesiastical and judicial past.

This volume, part of a larger collection documenting the Maltese Inquisition, consists of 390 sheets bound in red Bukram. Despite its historical significance, the manuscript has suffered deterioration, including woodworm damage and structural weakness due to mismatched sheet sizes. To ensure its longevity, a comprehensive restoration plan has been developed.

The Importance of Preserving Malta’s Heritage

Manuscripts related to the Maltese Inquisition are invaluable to historians and researchers, offering firsthand records of trials, testimonies, and decrees that shaped religious governance and societal norms. Preserving these documents ensures that Malta’s legal and cultural history remains accessible for future generations.

Recognizing their significance, the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (USA) has already digitized these records for scholarly use. Additionally, preventive anoxia treatment has been undertaken to protect them from insect infestation.

The Restoration Process

Under the expertise of Valentina Lupo, the Santo Uffizio Cartolario will undergo meticulous restoration, including:

• Dry cleaning and assessment of page numbering.
• Treatment of damaged folios affected by woodworm and stains.
• Integration of missing sections using Japanese paper.
• Flattening and structural repairs to prevent further deterioration.
• Rebinding in half red leather with hand-marbled paper.
• Gold lettering and decorative fillets, enhancing its historical authenticity.
• Protective casing for long-term preservation.

A Commitment to Conservation

In an email correspondence, George Agius, representing the San Lawrenz, Vittoriosa Parish, expressed deep gratitude to Rotary Club La Valette for its generous sponsorship. He emphasized that this restoration effort plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Malta’s national patrimony.

While multiple manuscripts require restoration, Rotary Club La Valette has focused its support on this single volume, ensuring that its historical value is fully preserved for generations to come.

Through initiatives like these, Rotary Club La Valette continues to champion the preservation of cultural heritage, reinforcing its commitment to community service and education.

On the 13^th June 2025, members of Rotary Club la Valette, visited, the Workshop of Atelier Del Restauro to witness the work being done on the sponsored volume as well as other cultural works in process.