UPON REFLECTION THE STORY OF JOSIE BUGELLI’S GLASS GILDING STUDIO

WE REACH THE END OF OUR CHAT AND I ASK JOSIE ABOUT WHAT I SHOULD REFER TO HIM AS. HE HESITATES. HE TURNS AROUND TO HIS COMPUTER AND CLICKS THROUGH TO HIS INSTAGRAM PAGE AND REFERS TO THE LIST THERE.

Simply referring to him as a glass gilder would belie the fact that Josie is, in fact, more of a Josie of all trade s. And he is the master of them all.

Josie started off in the design world at a very interesting juncture in its history. He was there before computers took over and analogue was king. He was there when old met new and digital turned everything we knew on its head. And he is still here now, using technology to facilitate the creation of beautiful signage.

The 90s were a terrible time for our streetscapes with regards to signage. Advances in large-format printing meant that cheap, fast signage could be churned out at a fraction of the cost of what traditional methods could produce. There was also a hunger for all things contemporary which would lift us out of the 80s and all that came with that decade and propel us towards what a forwardthinking nation ought to be.

Having been there to experience the comings and goings of these trends, Josie was never one to mope around mourning the loss of business or customers due to shifting fashions. He’d pivot, retrain and reinvent himself.

Having always had a love for drawing, during the early 80s while he worked as a Telemalta shift worker, he put his spare time to good use and enrolled himself in an interior design course by correspondence. He loved the tactile nature of the process but soon realised that it wasn’t where his passion lay. At the time there was also a graphic design course being given at the Design School on Merchants Street, Valletta and he quickly signed up. A few weeks later, whilst enjoying a night out at the Axis nightclub in Paceville, he was with a friend when they started speaking to someone who told them that they were recruiting a graphic designer for Crest, run by Victor Calleja. His friend told them that Josie was interested even though he had no idea what a portfolio was, let alone have one impressive enough to land him a job. Being a Friday evening with the interview on Monday, he designed a series of artworks to flesh out a basic portfolio and walked in with a threadbare CV and a lot of hope. Victor saw that he was keen and that he had an eye for the job, but soon found out that he’d never worked on a computer. ‘Are you willing to learn?’ he asked him, in the age-old way success stories tend to start off. He got the job.

After his first couple of paychecks he invested in his first Mac, a nine-inch model that set him back a cool Lm2,200 - around €6k today. He was soon designing artworks for all the local printers but as things happen, the printers soon bought their own Macs and Josie moved on to teaching the designers how to use these new-fangled machines instead.

Following a period of uncertainty and self-discovery, he eventually fell into sign-making, which he has since grown and evolved with over the past 20 years. At first it was all PVC, perspex and computer-cut stickers but he soon realised that there was a growing interest in glass gilding - a technique that had fallen out of fashion decades before.

It’s hard to determine exactly when the shift happened, but at some point there was a worldwide return to the appreciation of small-time craftsmanship. Maybe due to fashion or cost or both, these artisan makers had diminished in number, edged out of the market by mass-production and globalisation. Josie presciently read this return and has been at the forefront of this resurgence. As part of this effort, he sharpened his skills by studying with David A. Smith MBE in the UK, one of the world’s leading glass-gilding artists.

What he’s done in true Josie style is merge a variety of his skills to make his workshop sustainable. He has blended graphic design, laser-cut printing, traditional brushwork and gold-leaf gilding and is constantly exploring new techniques and skills.

It’s hard to say what his next move will be, as at this moment, things are only growing in this area of signage. A rediscovered love of the traditional, coupled with restoration incentives, is keeping Josie busy. Rest assured though, the moment there’s change afoot, Josie will be right ahead of that curve.

Instagram: @glassgildingstudio

THE VERDALA TERRACES –THE PINNACLE OF LUXURY LIVING

The lavish collect ion of residences, duplexes, and penthouses spread across the Royal and Grand Mansions offers an unparalleled level of sophistication, all enveloped by the natural beauty of the Maltese countryside.

Step into a realm of refined elegance, where each residence has been meticulously designed to ensure the ultimate comfort and style. Open-plan layouts, uninterrupted wall space, and extensive use of floor-to-ceiling windows create seamless and visually stunning living spaces. The attention to detail and quality is evident in every corner.

The residences within the Grand Mansions offer privileged front row seats to some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Malta’s open countryside. The high-quality cladding and smart, staggered design of each terrace create a tranquil escape that is both private and inviting. Whether enjoying a quiet moment with family or entertaining guests, the terraces offer the perfect setting for relaxation and outdoor dining.

The Royal Mansions also present an exclusive residential offering, where discerning residents can enjoy the privacy and tranquillity of private verandas with views of the picturesque countryside, beautifully landscaped gardens and charming public piazzas that encircle the residences. At ground level, new independent retail and cultural spaces bring the streetscape to life, blending into the vibrant fabric of the neighbourhood.

Further more, at the centre of the Verdala residential complex, is the highly exclusive 5-star Verdala Hotel and Spa where residents can enjoy privileged access to personalised spa experiences and immerse themselves in holistic spa therapies.

Residents can also indulge in a variety of high-end amenities that enhance their everyday living experience. These range from the outdoor infinity pool, which provides a stunning spot for relaxation with more breathtaking views, to a state-of-the-art fitness centre and landscaped gardens.

Rest easy knowing that 24/7 security, a dedicated concierge, and secure storage options are all in place for your peace of mind, while dedicated lock-up garages, storage areas, retail offerings, and exceptional services at every turn ensure convenience and luxury.

Resid e nts have ample opportunity to explore the rich culture and traditions of Rabat and Mdina. From exploring narrow streets lined with centuries-old buildings to discovering historical landmarks and indulging in local cuisine, residents will find themselves surrounded by a vibrant tapestry of culture and

The prime location of the Verdala Terraces also offers quick and easy access to all of Malta’s most notable attractions and landmarks without having to travel far. The best of Malta and Gozo i s always within reach.