These traditional clocks are produced on order and so are decorated to meet the customer’s desires. The four corners of the clock-face are usually decorated with gild or hand-painted flower patterns. In the middle of the dial there is usually a hand-painting of a Maltese landscape which serves as a background to the hour and minute hands. This painting is chosen by the customer. The roman numerals
around the dial are hand-painted too. The Maltese clock may come in different colours, the most popular being dark green. It can also come in dark or light blue, maroon or black. Such colours are selected so as to create a contrasting effect between the gilding and the colour as well as for artistic purposes. In most cases, the Maltese clock is gilded with 23.5 carat gold leaf. The final product is then burnished for a shinier look. All this is done on a bed of various layers of white gesso and rabbit-skin glue and a coating of bole. Contact Tony now to visit his workshop so you can see some of his work.
