PRESS CONFERENCE ON COMPLETED CONSERVATION OF FORT CORNWALLIS CANNONS

OPENING REMARKS FOR PRESS CONFERENCE ON COMPLETED CONSERVATION OF FORT CORNWALLIS CANNONS BY YANG AMAT BERHORMAT TUAN CHOW KON YEOW

CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

CHAIRMAN OF GEORGE TOWN WORLD HERITAGE INCORPORATED

 

FRIDAY, 10 MAY 2019 | 8:30 AM

GALLERY OF ARCHAEOLOGY, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

VIP Salutations

Members of the Media

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning.

On 19 February 2018, during the excavation works on-site at the western outworks at Fort Cornwallis, the archaeology team from the Centre for Global Archaeological Research of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), led by the centre director Prof Dato’ Dr Mokhtar Saidin, had discovered two cannons. These cannons, weighing approximately 1,500kg and 1,738kg, were 2.2m and 2.35m in length respectively, and are believed to be constructed during the reign of King George III (1760-1820) some 200 years ago. Also, from 26 to 28 February 2018, nine cannonballs were discovered in the same trench where the cannons were found.  After these artefacts were sent to USM for conservation works on 27 March 2018, the USM team found another cannon and mortar at the site on 27 January 2019.

The discovery of the cannons has been a most significant event for both George Town and Penang as it contributes to the history and research of Fort Cornwallis, a historical landmark of Penang and Category 1 site in the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site. It should be further explored to see if there are any more historical objects buried there. The history of Fort Cornwallis will be rewritten, especially of its defensive system during the colonial era, now that the cannons are discovered. We would be able to provide a more enriched history of Fort Cornwallis, and its role during the British and Japanese occupation.

The discovery of the cannons has paved the way for a new and exciting direction for Penang, such as opening up more international and national collaboration opportunities with professional conservators, archaeologists, academics and researchers. This opportunity should be used to further educate students and the public on the importance of objects conservation to preserve our history and promote the field of archaeology. We should also encourage new publications on Fort Cornwallis to provide a new perspective.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we can clearly see the embossed crown above the markings of 3, G and R (3 George Rex, inferring to the reign of King George III) and an arrow that signifies British government ownership of the cannon. The chance for us to witness the recovery of such important historical information from our artefacts is the result of the hard work of so many people who have contributed directly and indirectly in this conservation process.

On behalf of the State Government of Penang, I would like to congratulate Prof Dato’ Dr Mokhtar Saidin and the archaeology team from the Centre for Global Archaeological Research, USM for the impressive job done on the conservation work for the cannons. They are one of the best archaeology centres in Southeast Asia and has worked progressively and tirelessly with George Town World Heritage Incorporated, which is also one of the best World Heritage Site Managers in the Asia-Pacific, to overcome many technical challenges in the conservation process. I understand that the conservation team has been scrubbing and grinding the lower part of the cannons for four months, followed by the garnet blasting process on the surface of the cannons. A layer of coating has also been applied to prevent rust to our cannons, and to ensure that we are able to pass these artefacts to our future generations in good condition.

Their strong collaboration has resulted in the successful conservation of the cannons, and it should be an inspired example for us to follow to achieve the Penang 2030 vision together.

For these two cannons, the State Government of Penang, through George Town World Heritage Incorporated, has allocated a total of RM32,100 for the conservation work. This is our commitment to the conservation and restoration of historical objects, and our support for the training of a new generation of professionally-trained conservators.

Today, we witness the handover of the conserved cannons from USM back to the State Government of Penang. We also hope that this special occasion will be a reminder for all of us that George Town and Penang are rich in both culture and heritage, and that we have the shared responsibility to educate more people on the importance of conservation and the safeguarding of our cultural heritage.

Thank you.