I would like to point out various technical aspects that might have been overlooked with regard to the projected removal of the Triton Fountain to a nearby site. This move has been presented as a simple and straightforward move but I beg to differ.

First of all, this is a working fountain and not just a simple bronze statue on a stone pedestal that can be dismantled and removed. The fountain has a series of underground channels that were constructed of concrete and which are part and parcel of what shows above-ground. These channels supply the water and electricity needed to make the fountain work.

Secondly, a series of reservoirs, also of concrete, were perfectly levelled during construction. I cannot see any of the above being dismantled and moved. The fountain has to be literally destroyed and rebuilt, not just moved, which will definitely compromise this unique work of art which will most probably not be able to function as a fountain again.

Another technical point regards the three Triton statues which, although made of bronze, can be greatly compromised by being dismantled. They were badly damaged and cracked when the plate on top was used as a concert platform back in the early 1980s. Repair work in the late 1980s included the partial filling of the statues with Portland cement in an attempt to consolidate them and moving them now, as they are, will cause further damage that will compromise their stability.

From a historical, as well as an artistic, point of view, it is a pity to de-contextualise the only large fountain/monument in Malta that represents the time when Malta was getting on its feet, away from foreign rule. Its sculptor, Vincent Apap, can be regarded as one of the three local geniuses of sculpture, along with Antonio Sciortino and Melchiorre Gafà, and he would be immensely offended had he known of all this. I recall him telling me how deeply hurt he was when the fountain was badly damaged as a result of misuse. I would not want to tell him about what is to happen now.

Robert Cassar

Curator, The Palace Armoury

Valletta