Tapestries restored over 5 years
The Cathedral's set of 14 Flemish tapestries, among the largest tapestry sets of their kind, required five years of restoration in Brussels.
Snapshot · Jon Mallia Podcast
IL-KAVALLIERI KELLHOM EGO KBIR | Tonio Mallia
Explore episode
Jul 6, 2026
Where this was said
L-Arazzi
At 8:29 · chapter starts 5:43
The conversation turns to one of the Cathedral's most prized possessions: a set of 14 Flemish tapestries donated by Grand Master Ramon Perellos, depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Evangelists. [1] — Tonio Mallia "The Cathedral's 14 Flemish tapestries — some of the largest in the world — were in Brussels for five years of restoration. Around 1,000 wor…" 05:43 Tonio explains that these tapestries — produced in Brussels by Flemish weavers, the finest in the world — are among the largest and most complex ever created. Their restoration was sent to Brussels, where approximately 1,000 workers spent five years meticulously repairing the works. Each tapestry had to be tackled methodically, with the team developing specific techniques as they went. The scale and cost of this undertaking underscores just how significant these objects are and how seriously the Foundation treats its stewardship responsibilities.
The Flemish Tapestries: 5 Years of Restoration, 1,000 Workers
The Cathedral's 14 Flemish tapestries — some of the largest in the world — were in Brussels for five years of restoration. Around 1,000 workers were involved, using techniques developed specifically for these pieces.
1,000 workers on tapestry restoration
Approximately 1,000 workers were employed during the restoration of the Cathedral's Flemish tapestries in Brussels.
Similar snapshots
CISO role first held by Steve Katz
Joel de la Garza noted that the CISO role is a relatively recent invention, with Steve Katz widely credited as the first-ever CISO.
Electricity parallel: 6% vs 3x productivity
Superficial adoption of electricity gave factories only 6% efficiency gains; fully redesigning factories around it delivered a 3x productivity improvement that powered 20th-century US growth.
Caddyshack: cast did drugs every day on set
Harold Ramis recounted that during Caddyshack filming, storms kept the cast cooped up in a Florida hotel for days, during which they partied and did drugs all day and night.
China was 25% of global output in 1820s
In the 1820s, China accounted for 25% of global economic output, making it the world's largest economic machine — a historical precedent for its current AI superpower ambitions.
444 days hostage crisis
66 Americans held hostage at the US Embassy in Iran were released after 444 days, within hours of Reagan's inauguration.
508 TOW missiles sent to Iran
In the first round of the secret arms deal, 508 TOW missiles were transferred from Israel to Iran in exchange for hostage releases.
2,000 missiles in 8 shipments
America secretly transferred 2,000 missiles and missile parts to Iran across 8 separate shipments over just over a year.
Only 3 of 7 hostages released
Despite all the missile sales, only 3 of the 7 American hostages held by Lebanese terrorists were ultimately released.
Plane shot down at 2,500 feet in daylight
The CIA supply plane that blew open the scandal was flying at only 2,500 feet in broad daylight when it was shot down on October 5, 1986.
