Caffe Cordina, Valletta
Dominating the centre of Republic Street in Valletta is this elegant cafeteria, which is well regarded by generations of visitors not only for the comforting cups of coffee and delicious food but also for the exquisite architectural features and elegant decor that are unmissable to each and every passerby. Not least remarkable is the collection of chandeliers that illuminates the entire cafeteria.
Over the years we have been responsible for the general upkeep of the regal Murano chandelier, together with the rest of the chandelier pieces that provide light and beauty to the place. In 2021, we were commissioned to give this stunning chandelier a complete restoration, which we have carried out with love in the several months between Spring and Autumn of 2021.
Visit Caffe Cordina for your break in Valletta, and admire these chandeliers while sipping your coffee.
The Murano Chandelier
Restoring a Murano chandelier requires a meticulous process that involves several steps. Each step is crucial in ensuring the final product is a restored masterpiece that can be cherished for years to come.
The first step involves dismantling the chandelier. This is done to allow for thorough cleaning and restoration of each individual piece. During the dismantling process, each piece is carefully labelled and catalogued to ensure easy reassembly. After dismantling, the glass pieces are cleaned. This is done by hand, and each piece is inspected for any chips or cracks that may have occurred during the years.
Next, the plaster is removed from the metal shells. This is a delicate process that requires careful attention to prevent any damage to the metal. Broken pieces, particularly the delicate glass flowers, were expertly restored. This involves skilful workmanship to ensure that the restoration is virtually invisible. Missing glass parts are ordered from Murano and replaced. This step is important in restoring the chandelier to its original beauty and ensures that any missing pieces are replaced with authentic Murano glass.
The old electrical system is replaced with a more modern and safer system. This is a critical step that ensures the chandelier is safe to use and meets modern electrical standards. The winch that lowers and raises the chandelier is also replaced. This enables more regular maintenance and ensures the chandelier can be safely lowered and raised for cleaning and maintenance.
Finally, plastic candles are replaced with Murano glass candles. This is the finishing touch that elevates the chandelier into the veritable work of art that it is.
The below short documentary further explains this process, together with commentary about the story of the chandelier and its importance to Caffe Cordina.
Credit: Caffe Cordina
Crystal Chandelier
This crystal chandelier might not share the same heritage value as the Murano chandelier, nevertheless, it remains an important fixture in the cafeteria, bringing illumination but also a more contemporary look to this section of the cafeteria. The chandelier did need some realignment, but more urgently it needed to be hand cleaned to remove the debris that builds up particularly due to its close proximity to the refrigerators. We clean this chandelier annually before Christmas and each time, we are blown away by the difference the cleaning does to it.
