The restoration project, which is being sponsored by the Vodafone Foundation, is expected to cost around Lm3,000.

The bust dates back to 1675, when the Cottonera Lines were built by Grand Master Cotoner and it is probably the oldest political work of art in the country. The bust is almost the height of an average tall man.

This is the first time since 1800 that the bust has been taken from its position, with the exception of one short period in the 1960s when it was found hanging halfway down the gate early one morning, following a foiled robbery attempt.