I refer to Bernard Vassallo’s letter The Splendour of St John’s Co-Cathedral (January 24).

While rightly praising the extensive restoration and conservation work undertaken recently at St John’s Co-Cathedral, Mr Vassallo gives the impression that this work was entirely undertaken by restorer Sante Guido.

Kindly be informed that over the past six years, the Maltese conservation firm ReCoop was responsible for undertaking numerous conservation projects in the cathedral. Suffice it to say that the two magnificent late 17th century wood-carved and gilt organ boxes, shown next to Mr Vassallo’s letter, were restored by ReCoop in 2008/9. All work was undertaken under the authority of the Foundation for St John’s Co-Cathedral.

It should also be noted that the conservation of the gilt wall carvings in the two atriums within the cathedral is currently being executed by ReCoop. The company won this tender despite competition from foreign firms.

ReCoop also undertook work on paintings by Mattia Preti, Stefano Pieri, Antoine Favray and others, while also conserving the sculpted Crucifixion group attributed to the circle of Alessandro Algardi and the dome of the Chapel of Aragon. Furthermore, ReCoop is currently engaged in the restoration of the unique Cappella Ardente designed by Romano Carapecchia.

ReCoop prides itself in the prominent role that it has in the conservation of Maltese cultural patrimony and sees it odd that Mr Vassallo avoided mention of it.