Anton Agius

Anton Agius (1 December 1933 – 19 October 2008) was a Maltese sculptor, best known for creating a large number of monuments around Malta. He was dubbed "the national sculptor" by former Maltese president Ugo Mifsud Bonnici.

Education Agius first attended state school in Rabat. Agius was then an apprentice under sculptor Guzeppi Galea during his teens. It has been reported that wood was Aguis's favourite medium. He also created several works for several entities in Rabat, including churches and the St Paul Band Club, and donated several of his works to the parish museum.

In 2003, a statue by Agius was placed in the foyer of the Cardiff City Hall. The statue is named "Greenham Marcher" and it commemorates the Greenham Common protesters.

Exhibitions Agius exhibited his works at several exhibitions including:

Exhibition at the National Museum (1969)

Monuments Agius is best known for creating several monuments around Malta. These monuments all depict important Maltese people or events. Dun Mikiel Xerri and Compatriots Valletta Monument to the Maltese Missionaries Mosta Lorry Sant monument Paola

Dr Paul Xuereb monument Mdina

Postage stamps Agius has also designed a number of Maltese postage stamps: Heart 1972 - 2d Heart and WHO emblem Heart 1972 - 10d Heart and WHO emblem Heart 1972 - 2s 6d Heart & WHO emblem Maltese Workers 1977 - 2c Helping handicapped workers Maltese Workers 1977 - 7c Stone building and industrial trades Maltese Workers 1977 - 20c Dangers encountered by workers International Year of Peace 1986 - 8c

Awards and accolades Agius was awarded several prizes and honours, some of which are shown in the table below. + Award and Placing Awarding Body Country Year Source Human Rights Art Exhibition - First Prize 1968 Commemorative exhibitions In 2009, the Culture Commission of the L’Isle Adam Band Club of Rabat organised an exhibition showcasing works by Agius, in commemoration of the first anniversary of his death. Works included in this exhibition were various, including sculptures, statues, models, and bozzettos.

Another exhibition of Agius' works was held in 2010 in Mosta. This exhibition was organised by the society Talent Mosti, of which Agius was an honorary member.

Anton Agius Foundation In 2009, the Rabat local council set up the Anton Agius Foundation. The aim of this foundation is to restore Rabat's several historic monuments, buildings, and niches which were in need of repair.