What is Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna’s role on this issue and how did you decide to spotlight the value and importance of the cannon outside St John’s Co-cathedral?

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is concerned about the poor state of preservation of all historic bronze cannon exposed to the elements in this country, and not just those in front of our cathedrals. In all we have 13 of these large cannon – nine in public spaces and the rest in the care of Heritage Malta at the Palace Armoury.

What is the current state of the cannon and what would you recommend for their restoration and/or upkeep?

There is a difference between the cannon kept in public areas and those at the Palace Armoury. Cannons in the public area are at risk. The main dangers are corrosion from the elements and the erosive effect of constant touching and rubbing of the cannons’ upper parts by the public. Over the years, the latter has been the cause of the irretrievable loss of much of the fine detail and historic inscriptions on these guns. Bronze as a material, which is what these pieces of artillery are made of, tends to wear away when subjected to constant friction. In addition, constant exposure to the elements causes the bronze to melt away over a long period of time, the more so when assisted by the effects of acid rain, drastic changes in temperature and the abrasive nature of our south-westerly winds.

In our opinion, all historic bronze cannon currently kept in the open should be removed to a sheltered place in a museum, be it the Palace Armoury where they can be part of the rich collection of artillery from the time of the Order of St John, or the National Maritime Museum, where some can be displayed as part of the permanent exhibition dedicated to the maritime activities of the Order of St John. Indeed, some of the cannon in question have a maritime provenance.

How would the cannon be transported to a museum and what would be their ideal location? Do you believe that extra care should be taken to make sure the artefacts are not damaged in transit?

Obviously, such measures should be handled solely by professionals. In this case a combined team from the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, which is legally responsible for any tangible or intangible and moveable or immovable cultural property in the country, as regulators and Heritage Malta as the recipient and titular guardian of these artefacts.

What about the cannon outside Gozo cathedral? What is the situation there and does Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna also intend to take up this issue?

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna believes that all historic bronze cannon, whether in Malta or in Gozo, should be reclaimed under one roof and that is in Malta where the main collection is located. The cannon at the Gozo citadel have no historic affinity at all with the place. They were put there some 30 years ago by some myopic politician with no real sense of cultural understanding. A decision that was probably rooted in political exigency has caused these cannon to be continuously misused by hundreds of thousands of visitors over the years, with the result that important details on them were either rounded off or erased completely.

Briefly outline Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna’s activities and programme for the rest of the year

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is currently committed to continue adding to its portfolio of heritage sites held in trust. At present we care for 24 sites directly or indirectly. Two are managed on a daily basis: Fort Rinella at Kalkara and the Malta at War Museum at Vittoriosa. Another two sites will be added to this list later on this year, namely the Kordin III prehistoric temple at Paola and the Saluting Battery in Valletta. Other plans are currently in hand to organise some of the lesser sites into themed heritage routes. One such route will comprise some 12 WW2 defensive installations spread all over Malta. A map is being worked on right now which will be distributed free to interested people.

The increasingly popular historical re-enactments featuring aspects of garrison life from the late 19th century at Fort Rinella, have now been extended to six days, from Monday to Friday at 11.30 and Saturday at 2:30pm.

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna intends to organise a series of lectures and tours on cultural heritage for the general public. More public events will also be held at all our sites. A programme of events giving details of this will be available at the end of summer. We also plan to start publishing a journal dedicated to Malta’s cultural heritage.