MCAST Students Restore St. John’s Co-Cathedral Wind Vane After Storm Harry
Have you ever paused to appreciate the intricate details of the wind vane atop St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta? Chances are, you might have missed it amidst the grandeur of the Baroque masterpiece. But after Storm Harry’s wrath, it’s back in the spotlight, thanks to a meticulous restoration by MCAST students.
Stormy Night, Silent Sentinel
As Storm Harry lashed Malta in late January, the wind vane, a silent sentinel for centuries, couldn’t escape the fury. The iron vane, a symbol of direction and guidance, was left twisted and bent, a stark reminder of nature’s power. But its damage also sparked a story of resilience and restoration.
MCAST Steps In
Enter MCAST, Malta’s leading institute for technical and vocational education. Their metalwork students, under the watchful eye of lecturer Joseph Zammit, took on the challenge. The project was more than just a repair job; it was a chance to preserve a piece of Malta’s history and hone their skills.
“We saw this as an opportunity for our students to apply their knowledge in a real-world scenario,” Zammit explained. “Restoring a historical artifact is not just about fixing something broken. It’s about understanding its history, its materials, and its importance.”
From Bent to Beautiful
The restoration process was painstaking. The vane was carefully removed, its damaged parts meticulously straightened, and new parts crafted where necessary. The students worked with iron, a material they don’t often use in their coursework, learning new techniques and honing old ones.
“It was a challenge,” admitted 21-year-old student, Matthew Borg. “But it was also rewarding. Knowing that our work will be up there, visible to everyone, that’s something special.”
The restored wind vane was reinstalled in early March, ready to face whatever winds Valletta’s skies might bring. It’s a symbol of Malta’s resilience, a testament to MCAST’s commitment to preserving heritage, and a proud achievement for the students who restored it.
