I have just been given a most precious gift, namely the Richard Ellis Photography Collection by Natalino Fench. This is a work of art and my congratulations go to the publishers and printers. The book published in 2007 was sold out and hopefully will be reprinted in the near future. It is a book to enhance any bookshelf and will be enjoyed for centuries by future generations.
When it is reprinted I highly recommend that certain persons should acquire a copy and put it in a conspicuous place so that they would be regularly reminded to have a look at its contents. First and foremost it should be obligatory reading by all Mepa board members and officials. It should also form part of the library of Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and senior civil servants. It would then remind one and all what happened to Malta during the last years, how in the name of "progress" buildings of beauty have been demolished to be replaced by monstrosities. I am sure that we, the Maltese, are our own worst enemies.
The photos in the book are part of a unique collection of some 36,000 glass plates. Richard Ellis was a pioneer who gave Malta a pictorial history worth as much as that written down on paper. These plates were religiously maintained by the Ellis family and even moved from Valletta during the last war. It was such a foresight that saved this patrimony. The importance of this collection cannot be stressed enough. Apart from the historical aspect, these form part of our heritage and history.
Perhaps Heritage Malta might come to some form of arrangement with the Ellis family and copy all these into digital format for better conservation. Eventually they might also be made available on a dedicated web-page.
It would then be relatively easy for the common man to appreciate the beauty of old buildings and become aware of the disasters and wanton destruction of our heritage. Even from a historical aspect, they are ideal material for students and politicians alike.
One wonders why Malta has been so keen to destroy and ruin so many buildings of beauty. Will there ever be a stop to this blatant barbarism?