Old crafts, trades and traditions saved for posterity

A chance encounter with a traditional grocer in the tranquil village of Safi three years ago led to the production of a coffee-table book: Disappearing Malta – Crafts, Trades & Traditions 360°. Featured in the book are 28 characters who were photographed by Enrico Formica in their workshops while they were at their jobs. The crafts and trades covered include tinsmiths and blacksmiths; a fisherman and rope splicer, a silversmith, the last maker of caps for uniforms, a shoemaker, a bazaar owner and model makers. Miranda Publications director Eddie Aquilina recalled meeting Lina Zammit as she called for help to handle a sizeable box at her grocery door. He went to her assistance, eventually ending up in her shop, which has been providing a service to the villagers for 170 years, where he was welcomed with open arms. He still remembers going to a supermarket the next day, noticing the big difference between the service he got there and how patrons were served at Ms Zammit’s tiny outlet. “With Lina I was not just a number. I received a service with a smile. She made me sit down and speak. The clock had been turned back at least 40 years. During our brief chat, Lina admitted that,...