Bank of Valletta’s longstanding collaboration with Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (FWA) was recently celebrated with a new exhibition at the Malta Time-Gun Museum in Valletta, which was officially inaugurated during a visit by members of the BOV Foundation.
The permanent exhibition, funded by the BOV Foundation through its ongoing agreement with FWA, focuses on John Müller’s 18th-century artillery designs and different ancillary equipment as detailed in his ‘A Treatise of Artillery’ published in 1759.
Mario Farrugia, executive chairperson of FWA, noted that ‘A Treatise of Artillery’, an original copy of which is exhibited in this exhibition, was the most influential work on artillery published in English during the second half of the 18th century.
The exhibition features several scientific models depicting mostly technical and logistical equipment used for the mounting or dismounting of cannon, transportation of ordnance, as well as the carriage of ammunition and repairs.
During the visit, Farrugia expressed his gratitude to BOV for years of dedication to the foundation, which offers hands-on heritage across its nine museums.
“The bank’s funding has empowered the foundation to pursue innovative approaches to preserve and present Malta’s military and cultural heritage,” he said.
The BOV Foundation was represented by Anita Mangion and Isabella Cutajar, accompanied by Charles Azzopardi, head of CSR, Events and Business Alliances. On behalf of the foundation, Mangion remarked that the launch of this exhibition was a testament to the importance of historical knowledge and its relevance today.
“The BOV Foundation remains committed to support such initiatives. Through our collaboration with Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, we are proud to back projects that bring Malta’s rich military history to life and make it accessible to the public,” she said.
Azzopardi echoed Mangion’s remarks, noting how through the collaboration with FWA and its ‘Hands-on-Heritage’ programme, thousands of schoolchildren have visited sites managed by FWA.
“The success of this collaboration between the BOV Foundation and FWA is a testament to the commitment from both parties towards education and our rich cultural heritage. We are now well into the second generation of students attending these sessions, in sites that have continuously been upgraded through the efforts of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, which we are proud to call our partner,” Azzopardi said.
