THE RESTORATION OF THE DOME OF THE CHURCH OF SAINT LAWRENCE

Eight decades after the destruction of the dome of the Collegiate church of Saint Lawrence during WWIII, the church’s dome has now been furnished with a new work of art that can be fully appreciated in all its glory — thanks to a lighting project entrusted to ESS.

The 350-year-old Collegiate Church of Saint Lawrence, once a conventual church for the Knights of Malta, is an integral part of Vittoriosa’s rich history. The church houses a collection of masterpieces by the renowned artist Matti Preti, adding to its cultural significance.

Following the extensive damage caused by a German air raid in 1941, the church had to completely rebuild the sacristy and the dome. The new dome, which was completed in 1954, lasted 67 years undecorated until the current artwork was commissioned by the Collegiate in 2019.

Based on the original artwork by Carlo Ignazio Cortiz, the Gozitan artist Manuel Farrugia was commissioned to depict a religious interpretation of the Knight’s victory in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. The painting which decorates the inside of the dome is divided into two main parts - The sacred part which consists of the Sacred Mary along with Saint Lawrence and the other martyr Saints; and the other part which represents the Victory of the Great Siege of Malta, highlighting the role of the Maltese people in the victory.

Entrusted with illuminating this work of great workmanship, ESS had to pay attention to two main considerations in setting up the appropriate illumination for this delicate project. Respecting the architectural elements of the Church, ESS together with Arthur De Marco and his team made sure that there was no visible wiring or large light fixtures that would interfere with the architectural elements of the historic Church, opting to hide the wiring discreetly on the ring beam footing of the dome.

Carrying out an intricate light study, which entailed a false rendering to analyse light distribution within the dome and cupola, the light fittings were positioned in order to choose the optimal spot.

The second important factor in this project was to choose the right light fitting: one that does not emit UV light, as it damages artwork. The light fitting chosen for this project - Orion by Ilmas was used due to its high colour rendering index of CRI>98, to ensure the colours used in the artwork are perceived as accurately as possible, enabling visitors to contemplate the artwork in all its magnificence. The dimmable function of the chosen light fitting allows the lighting to be controlled remotely to suit the needs of different ceremonies held in the church.

Inaugurated in 2021 by the Archbishop Monsignor Charles Scicluna, the project which was partially funded by Carmelo Busutill - the Archpriest of Vittoriosa, the collegiate church of Saint Lawrence is now finally restored to its former granduer.