For the fifth consecutive year, the HSBC Malta Foundation supported Casa Rocca Piccola in Valletta to hold the annual lace competition in a bid to keep this traditional and distinguished skill alive. 54 lace-makers of all ages from Malta and Gozo took part in the competition, submitting some 100 authentic pieces, ranging from decorative items, to silk stoles and shawls, ecclesiastical items, christening gowns and fans all worked with very fine thread.

Paul Giordmaina shared the overall winning price with Mary Louise Bajada (in absentia). He submitted a tablecloth which took him four months to complete, inputting an average of 10 hours of work daily. Works were judged according to their originality in design, technical skill, presentation, magnitude of the undertaking and quality of the item produced.

Two children, Maronia Mamo and Carmen Sammut, were also rewarded for their effort and dedication to take this artistic promise into the future.

The competition is coordinated annually under the exacting direction of Marquis Nicholas de Piro and Margaret Farrugia with the aim to keep this part ofMalta’s historical and cultural heritage alive and thriving for future generations.

“Maltese lace-making is recognised for its uniqueness which is the result of laborious attention to very small details,” said Mrs Catherine Gonzi, Chairperson of the HSBC Malta Foundation. “Year on year, the HSBC Malta Foundation makes it its mission to support Casa Rocca Piccola in bringing together these skilled lace-makers for the daunting task of passing this distinguished craftsmanship on to our next generation.”