British colonial architecture : Malta 1800-1900

Abstract

Architecture is a tangible and eloquent record of a nation's history. The nineteenth century is a crucial epoch in the development of local architecture. In Malta the impact of colonial architecture has been fragmented iJ1to units usually labelled by styles. Possibly the most extensive contributions dealing with the subject are Konrad Buhagiar' s Romanticism in the 19th. Century - A History of Neo-Gothic in Malta, Neo-Classical Architecture in Malta in the Ninteenth Century by Karl Borg and various works by Michael Ellul. Although this field is very well researched our understanding of this heritage is at times limited by stylistic critique. After tracing the major architectural landmarks new interesting aspects emerge. TI1ere are intricate political ideals behind every extensive project. Colonial buildings bear the administrators stamp. The Govemor-Generals imposed styles, models and alterations. It is difficult to refer to the imported British Architects and Engineers as protagonists. Their plans and designs were not only translated into local soft stone by Maltese master masons but also had to satisfy the needs of Commissioners, Governors and officials alike. These interventions have truly modified the urban texture, altered the skyline and redefined the Maltese landscape. It is interesting to compare these adaptations not only to model buildings in Britain but also to those scattered around the Empire. E.L. Galizia' s Mohammedan cemetery in Marsa is related to the Moore Market of Madras by R.E. Ellis. British Colonial Architecture has local adaptions and nuances however it creates a link with the rest of the colonized world. In this small Island we witnessed the technological advancements of the industrial revolution through the building industry. These points of reference however do not only represent the Imperial style but also the development of the Maltese Architect. Whereas in other colonies skilled workers were difficult to find the Maltese Civil Artificers, masons and Periti quickly learned the lessons of British engineering and adopted the tastes of their colonizers. In this fortress-colony military architecture is tempered by industrial and civil aspects which are often neglected. There is still abundant material which awaits evaluation. This study attempts to outline the stylistic development of British Colonial Architecture bearing in mind socio-political and economic implications.