Air Malta’s praiseworthy initiative to contribute €1 for each ticket sold to the restoration of important 17th century editions of French translations of Shakespeare, that form part of the priceless and, I feel ashamed to say, largely unappreciated collection of Malta’s National Library (August 13), deserves plaudits from all those that have the conservation of the national book-heritage at heart. As Minister Dolores Cristina rightly pointed out, it sets an example for other organisations to follow. Malta is in dire need of such charities. Lions Club Sliema blazed an important way forward in May 2010 when it generously donated €9,000 to the restoration of a rare first edition of the Horus Romans (several volumes 1772-1793).

The Maltese, as a nation, suffer from an almost pathological lack of appreciation of their richly diversified cultural heritage. In spite of meritorious initiatives in restoration and conservation programmes, the lack of public interest remains disturbingly high. NGOs such as The Malta Historical Society, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and others, are giving a priceless contribution, often at great personal sacrifice. There are also private initiatives such as the great work being undertaken by Joan Abela and her team for the Notarial Archives Resources Council that has turned the Notarial Archives from a place of shameful dilapidation and ­disgrace into a decent place of research. Splendid work has also been undertaken by Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti under the perfectionist leadership of Maurice de Giorgio, and the St John Co-Cathedral Foundation.

As far as official attitude is concerned, much lip service is paid for political dividends but culture remains low in the hierarchy of priorities.

There is a crying need for better specialised advice in restoration undertakings and for the need to differentiate between dilettantism, enthusiasm and expertise. Academic specialisation in decision making is many times still a desired requisite.

To go back to the National Library, the archives and manuscript collection is as much in need of attention as the books. Even such basic things as an air conditioned storage environment remain a desideratum.

The need for an efficient PR network to attract public-spirited organisations and societies to follow the example of Air Malta and Sliema Lions Club is pressing. When will the idea of public charities for the conservation and restoration of Malta’s priceless cultural heritage take root?

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