OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE RESTORED
COUNCIL CHAMBER AND MAYOR'S PARLOUR

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The Trust tried unsuccessfully in Britain and Malta to engage a firm or artist who would tackle the job. Finally the services of an expert restorer from Cadiz, Don Francisco Fernandez-Trujillo were obtained who, with his son Pablo, made the perfect team.

Allegorical representations of the liberal arts.
Architecture.		Fine Art.
Music.		Sculpture.

The walls and ceiling were painstakingly and laboriously prepared, cleaned and plastered, before starting the restoration work with specialised paints and gold leaf. Each stage of the restoration work was photographed to document the progress by Pablo Fernandez-Trujillo.

Gilding in progress	Don Francisco Fernandez-Trujillo at work.

Work started in March 1999 and was completed in February 2000. Thus a unique example of our Heritage was rescued from decay and restored to its former glory.

The original Council armchairs have been treated for woodworm and re-upholstered. Three new Empire-style consoles and two large mirrors purchased and new curtains have been fitted.

The Gibraltar Heritage Trust wishes to thank His Worship the Mayor, the Hon. the Judge John Alcantara CBE, for his patience and understanding during the restoration period, the Minister for Heritage, the Hon. Keith Azopardi for his support, and the Government of Gibraltar and the Friends of Gibraltar's Heritage Society for their substantial contributions.

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