Les Gavroches replica completed

A bronze replica of Antonio Sciortino's bronze masterpiece, Les Gavroches, has been completed and will be placed at the Upper Barrakka gardens in Valletta when the gardens re-open in April.

The replica was executed by Joseph Chetcuti of Fonderija Artistika with the collaboration of restorer Sante Guido. The expenses of the entire process were covered by the Malta Stock Exchange.

The MSE yesterday presented the replica to Heritage Malta, the national agency for museums and cultural heritage.

In a statement, the government said the need for the execution of a bronze replica became obvious in 1999, when Dott. Sante Guido undertook the conservation of the original bronze statue that was on display at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta.

At the time it was found that the statue had deteriorated considerably from exposure to the elements and that it would have to be moved to ensure its proper conservation. It is now housed at the National Museum of Fine Arts.