The MARQ is saddened by the death yesterday, 25th April, of Mr. Vicente Bernabeu Plaza, the Museum's restorer for so many years. We express our sorrow for his absence and send our deepest condolences to his family.
He lived with intensity both personally and professionally, his efforts for the Museum, intervening in the restoration of countless pieces, most of them exhibited in our rooms in outstanding places, such as the Dama del Cabezo Lucero, and for the enhancement of the sites of La Illeta and Lucentum, so that they would not fall into oblivion, was admirable.
A tireless conversationalist, he captivated us all with his stories and anecdotes shared with Enrique Llobregat, Solveig Nordström and so many colleagues, archaeologists and co-workers.
He joined the Diputación when the Museum was still there, on the ground floor of the Palace on Avenida de La Estación and he was thrilled to see it moved to the Plaza del Doctor Gómez Ulla in Alicante, enjoying it more than a child with new shoes when Dña Sofía opened its doors, guiding him through the Restoration Workshop together with the rest of the authorities on that unforgettable day, for him and for all of us, on 28 May 2002.
He was the first to receive the Friend of MARQ card and although he is now retired, neither he nor his wife Matilde missed any exhibition opening, act, meal or event that we organised, as long as he had the strength to do so. Giving us the gift of not only his great professional experience but also his sincere friendship will always remain with us.
Rest in Peace.
