transforming metal into art
transforming metal into art
A new kiln.
Premju gieh l-artigjanat
A new kiln.
We knew the kiln Joseph had built needed maintenance after 20 years of service. After inspecting the kiln we realised we actually had to rebuild it from scratch. This is the result, Kiln 2.0 !
Homo Faber
Premju gieh l-artigjanat
A new kiln.
The work of our bronzesmith, Christopher Chetcuti, has been featured on the prestigious european platform, Homo Faber Guide.
Follow the link: https://www.homofaber.com/en/discover/discover-christopher-chetcuti
Premju gieh l-artigjanat
Premju gieh l-artigjanat
Premju gieh l-artigjanat
We have been honoured to receive the award for the best Artisinal Product of the year 2021, in the non-precious metals category, together with the Endangered Crafts Award for 2021. While our late founder, Joseph Chetcuti, won the Lifetime Achievement award for 2021. The awards are an iniitative of the Malta Crafts Foundation.
retrospective exhibition
retrospective exhibition
Premju gieh l-artigjanat
The Foundry recently submitted a proposal for a retrospective exhibition of the late Joseph Chetcuti's work. The exhibition will take place in Spring, 2023.
artpaper magazine
retrospective exhibition
artpaper magazine
On the occasion of the first anniversary since the untimely passing of Joseph Chetcuti, Artpaper magazine published an in-depth feature on the late artist's life and work, in its 10th issue. The magazine can be accessed on issuu.com
medika photoshoot
retrospective exhibition
artpaper magazine
The Foundry was recently used for a photoshoot, by Brian Grech, for the re-branding campaign of Medika Dermatology Clinic.
the people of malta
the people of malta
the people of malta
Christopher Chetcuti and the Foundry get featured on popular social media portal, The People of Malta.
contemporary traditions - redesigning the maltese door knob & knocker
A collaboration between Funderija Artistika Chetcuti and MaltaDoors
The door knocker has a long, complicated and somewhat dark history, which originates as far back as Ancient Greek times. Although it is a staple on the doors of traditional Maltese builds and houses, it is by no means a feature exclusively present on our islands - just like ‘our’ cement tiles, for instance. The door knocker, or habbata, also comes in a knob or handle version on some doors, as it is generally the door style and timber panelling which dictates what design option to use, as well as the size of your desired accessory.
Knobs, knockers and handles generally come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials - the most common being brass, but occasionally also in ceramic, glass and in bronze. It is rare however, to come across an uncommon or customised design for a door knob or knocker - and these are generally found on the doors of larger palazzos, band clubs or high end businesses. The dolphin, the elephant head, the hand and motifs incorporating the eight-pointed cross are just a few of the prevalent and most-recognised designs adorning Maltese doors.
This is the context in which the collaboration between Lisa Gwen from MaltaDoors and Funderija Artistika Chetcuti was born. As the only artistic foundry on the islands, and having a solid repertoire and portfolio of making and impeccably replicating door knockers for boutique hotels, banks or band clubs, the Foundry had insofar never produced its own series of creations. On the other hand, after years of documenting Maltese houses and facades, Lisa identified an interesting niche to develop - contemporary design for door knobs and knockers which were still contextually relevant yet aesthetically appealing. The collaboration made perfect sense to both, on several levels.
Dubbed Contemporary Traditions, this ongoing collaboration aims to produce various series of door knobs and knockers which kicked off with the Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) Leaf and the Scallop Shell - both designs being customisable as both knobs or knockers. Before Christmas, another 2 designs will be unveiled, featuring an Eye (the pair will be asymmetrical), and Seahorses. Research is still ongoing and more designs will be added to the collection in the coming months. The beauty of bronze door knobs and knockers is perhaps their raw and hand-made feel and finish. A process which takes weeks to complete, from preparation of the mould ahead of casting, to finishing and patination, each piece is unique, and no two are ever identical. More than just an accessory for one’s front door, the knockers are functional fine art sculptures.
