Casino Notabile and Webster Paulson

I am a fifth year architectural student at the University of Malta and am currently working on the dissertation title 'Casino Notabile - it was meant to be exclusive'.

Much has been written about the pitiful condition of this beautiful Victorian building at Is-Saqqajja, Rabat, but not much of its illustrious history has been revealed.

Apart from chapters dealing with the Casino's origins, and extravagant architectural idiom, I am also collecting information about the building's architect, Webster Paulson (1837-1887), who arrived in Malta in 1861, when he was chosen by the British architect Edward Barry to represent him and supervise the erection of the Royal Opera House in Valletta.

I have discovered that under the direction of the Maltese architect Emanuel Galizia, Paulson was involved in numerous building projects, most of which still grace the island today. However, I have not yet come across any photos depicting Paulson himself. I would be very grateful if anyone could supply any information/photos of the British architect or the Casino Notabile itself. This material will be acknowledged in my work. I may be contacted on 7905 1170 or by e-mail, mat.gauci@hotmail.com.