Tritons’ fountain

I refer to the Feasability item in the On The Dot column (January 2) regarding the Tritons’ fountain at City Gate, Valletta, wherein it is stated that dismantling the fountain even in part for restoration will damage it anyway.

This statement is only partially correct since the most fragile part of the fountain is the structure in roman travertine. This part of the monument is to remain in situ as will the rest of the monument’s subterranean maze of tunnels.

The most serious problems are in the bronze group. The bronze figures have numerous cracks owing to various structural failures.

Should remedial intervention prove to be a difficult task to undertake on site, the proposal to dismantle the whole group may be taken only after accurate documentation recordings are undertaken. While genuine concern is appreciated, one would like to assure the public that any endeavours and decisions will be executed by a multi-disciplinary team composed of various conservation professionals. Thus, rest assured that the proposed future of the Tritons’ fountain is in very safe hands.