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Michael Sandle RA

Malta Siege-Bell Memorial
(for the Second World War siege of Malta)
1988-92
Gozo stone, concrete, iron, bronze

Sited at Valetta Harbour, Malta. The bell has two relief's, depicting the George Cross Island Association crest and a medallion of the Assumption of St Mary. The bell is E flat and was inspired by the world's most famous bell - the 'Maria Gloriosa' - which is 500 years old and hangs in Erfurt Cathedral, Germany.

The Memorial is, in the first instance, for the Maltese themselves, who suffered greatly. It is for the defenders who fought with tenacity and endurance and it is for the Royal Navy and Merchant Marine seamen who in spite of terrible danger brought supplies to Malta.
But the essence is that this Memorial is for all of the Dead, because this a universal loss. I believe that the Malta Siege Memorial shows what can be done towards achieving a sober remembrance of the past , free from jingoism"

Michael Sandle. Quotation taken from The Sculpture of Michael Sandle, by John McEwan