A collection of researched contributions relating to aspects of Malta’s industrial past has been published as a book entitled Approaches to Industrial Heritage: What Works?

The papers were presented and discussed during a conference held last year which focussed on the approaches which could guide the preservation and presentation of industrial heritage in Malta, and more particularly that held by Simonds Farsons Cisk plc.

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 the Farsons Foundation and the University of Malta’s Department of the Built Heritage.

Foundation chairman Bryan Gera said: “One of The Farsons 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 professor JoAnn Cassar and Reuben Grima from the Faculty for the Built Environment, the publication features 15 contributions.

“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, government needs the help of the private sector, working hand in hand to create best practices and to give direction,” Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government and Culture José Herrera said at the launch.

The publication is available on request through an e-mail to sfc@farsons.com against a donation of €7.