Artist Noel Galea Bason dies aged 71
He is the man behind the design of the 1986 Maltese Lira and 2007 Euro coins
Updated 1.30pm
Noel Galea Bason, the artist who designed the 1986 Maltese Lira and 2007 Euro coins, has died aged 71.
File photo of Noel Galea BasonAs news of his sudden passing spread on social media, artists and Floriana residents paid tribute to the man and his lasting legacy in the designs of medals, coins, sculptures and public monuments.
Galea Bason graduated from Rome's Scuola dell’Arte della Medaglia in 1978. He found his niche at the Malta Mint at the Central Bank of Malta, becoming the first Maltese to design coins for his country.
He is also the man behind special commemorative artistic creations presented to dignitaries during their state visits to Malta, including a gift presented to Queen Elizabeth II by President Emeritus Ċensu Tabone in 1992.
Galea Bason is also the artist behind the Dom Mintoff monument in Castille Square and a monumental relief of Pope John Paul II commissioned during his visit in 1990.
Among the tributes posted on Facebook, fellow artist James Vella Clark said Galea Bason's art was a chronicle of some of Malta's major political milestones.
"A nation’s identity is not shaped only by politics or history books. Noel Galea Bason showed us how it is also shaped quietly by artists.
"His art was a chronicle of some of Malta's major political milestones and became part of Malta’s visual memory, quite literally, part of our daily lives, as he designed many of the coins we carry in our pockets. Rest in peace, Maestro," he added.
Conservator-restorer James Licari called Galea Bason a "talented and inspiring figure in the Maltese art scene".
His work, he said, touched the hearts of many and left a lasting legacy.
"His creativity, passion, and dedication will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who admired his art. May he rest in peace."
President Myriam Spiteri Debono also paid tribute to Galea Bason, referring to him as an artist who, with his talent and artistic vision, accompanied the country in various historical moments.
She offered her condolences to his family and friends.
Floriana Mayor Nigel Holland said, in a tribute, that Galea Bason was born, brought up and died in his studio in Floriana.
Holland said the Floriana community was shocked by the sudden passing of the artist.
Deputy mayor James Aaron Ellul recalled Galea Bason's friendly nature. Malta, he said, had lost a person who had given a lot to the country, including the design on the coins everyone carried with them on a daily basis.