XN000022-1972-06-20 — Page 6

Tuesday, June 20, 1972

NEW LOOK FOR STANLEY PRISON CHAPEL

Serving Prisoner Redecorates Interior

The interior of the Stanley Prison chapel has been completely

redecorated by a serving prisoner.

The man who gave the chapel a new look is 48-year-old Aurelio

Spacholtz, an Italian,

He is one of the three prisoners who escaped from the Chi Ma Wan

Prison on Lantau Island on August 10, 1970. All three were recaptured about

nine days later.

Mr. Spacholtz began the work in early January this year, with materials

supplied by the Prisons Department,

The interior of the chapel now has oval-shaped murals featuring the

crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These have been done in multi

colours against the grey-white walls of the sanctuary.

A spokesman for the Prisons Department said: "The chief motive

behind this project is basically two-fold: to utilise Mr. Spacholtz's skill

in the best possible way and to allow him to practise his trade while in prison."

Before he came to Hong Kong, Mr. Spacholtz was an architect.

Previously he had carried out a similar task at the Victoria Reception

Centre's chapel.

Mr. Spacholtz, who is to return to Rome after his release in October

this year, expressed his gratitude to the Commissioner of Prisons, Mr. T.G. Garner,

for giving him an opportunity to put his ideas into reality.

The Stanley