Saving the traditional closed timber balcony

Good, traditional craftsmen have been handed their skills through generations, from their fathers and grandfathers and in some cases through skills acquired from North African carpenters

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Good, traditional craftsmen have been handed their skills through generations, from their fathers and grandfathers and in some cases through skills acquired from North African carpenters.  

In most cases, the manufacture of a good quality balcony will take long hours of hard work ensuring that all the parts are of good quality in terms of aesthetics and functionality. 

The use of traditional materials, apart from being one of the main requirements, also ensures the survival of such a noble craft.  

Timber has been used for centuries and we still have surviving examples that are testament to the enduring qualities of natural materials.  
The incorrect notion that timber does not last is simply a recent and convenient excuse that removes the need for top quality traditional craftsmanship.

This situation is compounded by retiring carpenters that cannot pass on their skills since their children are not interested in carpentry.  

There is also a lack of availability of a skilled workforce that is adequately trained in traditional methods.  

It is a sad situation knowing that unless serious, focused and holistic action is taken, so much can be lost.  

And when talking in terms of cultural heritage, once it is gone, it is gone forever.  

This article is specifically concerned with the traditional closed timber balcony.  

This frequently occurring element within the traditional Maltese urban and built landscape has fascinated most while alienated others because of the contempt it created through familiarity and repetition.  

However, no one can dispute that it significantly contributes towards a local sense of identity through its aesthetic distinctiveness, that it is an important element within the traditional streetscape, that it illustrates a strong association to past customs and cultural practices, and it is an important landmark in portraying the traditional craftsmanship that is steeped in history.

According to internationally established principles of conservation, design and proportions, material, finish and craftsmanship are the five elements that one should take into consideration when undertaking maintenance or restoration works.  

The design of the lower part of the traditional closed timber balcony illustrates the period in which it was built, and thus such a design is to be retained.  

This is the easiest part.  Ensuring the use of traditional materials and craftsmanship is more difficult.

The Planning Authority is fast approaching another important milestone in cultural heritage management. In 2021, it will be 25 years since the launch of its first grant scheme.  

This scheme was a ground-breaking exercise since for the first time the authority acknowledged the importance of makings funds available to safeguard our common heritage.  

Almost 25 years, millions of euros and hundreds of beneficiaries later, the basic objectives of the grant schemes seem to have been attained.    

The fact that the funds made available for the last couple of grant schemes were completely taken up within a few hours, is testament to the need of such grants schemes since they provide important financial help.  

What about the quality of the work?  This is where the authority needs to focus its resources on.

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