Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti's chairman, Maurice de Giorgio, has passed away, aged 91.

The foundation said Mr de Giorgio was its driving force. He served as  its chairman since 1992.

Maurice de Giorgio

During his tenure the foundation set up 11 exhibitions and was responsible for the transformation of Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum. It published more than 50 publications and 62 issues of the Treasures of Malta magazine.

"He was a highly respected extraordinary gentleman who inspired many, and whose vision helped reshape the Maltese cultural landscape."

Born in Milan and educated in Milan and Valletta, Mr de Giorgio served as librarian at the British Institute in Valletta. After the war, he went into business establishing Maurice de Giorgio Ltd, which later merged with Joinwell Ltd.

Maurice de Giorgio's numerous appointments include serving as honorary secretary and  council member of the Federation of Malta Industries, executive council member of the Malta Trade Fair Corporation, founder director of the Malta Development Corporation and member of the Manoel Theatre management committee.

His dedication to the preservation and promotion of Malta's cultural heritage was recognised when he was invested with The Order of Merit in 1995.

The government and the Nationalist Party expressed condolences.