A collection of researched contributions relating to aspects of Malta’s industrial past have been published in a book entitled Approaches to Industrial Heritage: What works? The papers were presented and discussed during a conference held in February last year at Simonds Farsons Cisk Brewery.
Considered as the first initiative in Malta to tackle this complex subject in an open forum, Approaches to Industrial Heritage: What works? was jointly launched by Farsons Foundation chairman Bryan Gera and University of Malta pro-rector Joe Friggieri in the presence of Parliamentary Secretary for Culture José Herrera and Simonds Farsons Cisk chairman Louis Farrugia.
The Farsons Foundation, in collaboration with the University’s Department of the Built Heritage within the Faculty for the Built Environment, recently hosted a one-day conference focusing on the diverse approaches which could guide the preservation and presentation of industrial heritage in Malta, and more particularly, that held by Simonds Farsons Cisk plc.
Mr Gera said: “One of the foundation’s objectives is to contribute, preserve, maintain and make better known Malta’s heritage. Last year’s conference on industrial heritage and this new publication fall right within the foundation’s mission.
“We augur that they serve to stimulate further appreciation, research and developments on Malta’s industrial heritage.”
Co-edited by JoAnn Cassar and Reuben Grima from the Faculty for the Built Environment, the publication features 15 contributions. These have been penned by Timothy Ambrose, John Betts, Prof. Cassar, Nationalist MP Mario de Marco, Louis Farrugia, Michael Farrugia, Mr Gera, Robert Ghirlando, Dr Grima, Dr Herrera, James Licari, Joseph Magro Conti, Ray Polidano, Alex Torpiano and Godwin Vella.
Prof. Friggieri said: “This publication focuses on an important aspect of our culture. It shows why the industrial heritage matters to us and why we should invest in its preservation.”
Mr Farrugia said that the professional contribution of the panel members and participants contributed to making last year’s conference a success.
“Following the positive feedback received, we pursued the idea of drawing on the workings of the conference and recording them in a publication. From a uniquely novel conference, we are today marking another milestone in the history of Simonds Farsons Cisk plc with this new publication.
“As a company we want to preserve and treasure our heritage, and most importantly, share it with the community.”
Dr Herrera said the government cannot be the sole operator of the vast quantities of cultural heritage material that exists in Malta. “The conference and publication about industrial heritage are a step in the right direction. Through its agencies and legislative powers, the government has to be one of the main instigators to set the framework. However, the government needs the help of the private sector, working hand in hand to create best practices and to give direction.”
The publication is available on request by e-mailing sfc@farsons.com against a donation of €7.