The Malta Stock Exchange
presented a replica of Antonio Sciortino’s bronze
masterpiece, ‘Les Gavroches’ to Heritage
Malta, the National Agency for Museums and Cultural
Heritage.
Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, the Hon.
John Dalli; Minister for Youth and the Arts, the Hon.
Jesmond Mugliett; MSE Chairman, Mr. Alfred Mallia and
Heritage Malta Chairman Dr. Mario Tabone attended the
presentation.
The need for the execution of a bronze replica became
obvious in 1999, when Dott. Sante Guido undertook the
conservation of the original bronze statue that was
on display at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta.
At the time it was found that the statue had deteriorated
considerably from exposure to the elements and that
it would have to be moved to ensure its proper conservation.
It is now housed at the National Museum of Fine Arts.
The replica was executed by Mr Joseph Chetcuti of
Fonderija Artistika with the collaboration of Dott.
Sante Guido. The expenses of the entire process were
covered by the Malta Stock Exchange.
Speaking during the presentation at Heritage Malta’s
Head Office in Valletta, Minister for Youth and the
Arts, the Hon. Jesmond Mugliett said that he was pleased
to note that new creative methods to care for our cultural
heritage were being brought in, particularly through
partnerships with the private sector.
He said that such partnerships on restoration projects
between Heritage Malta and private entities such as
banks were becoming increasingly common.
“Though the funds handed over on each individual
occasion might not amount to much, collectively these
have come to form an important part of the budget allocated
to restoration projects.
“Everyone benefits from investment in the protection
of our cultural heritage – the people benefit
because our identity is strengthened; while the economy
stands to gain because tourism profits from such projects
as well,” Mr. Mugliett said.
The Minister concluded by saying that he is looking
forward to see the bronze replica in its rightful place
at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, once these are re-opened
to the public next April.
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