At home in the Palace

The recent publication titled At Home With the President is the last lot to be included in the yearly fine art auction held in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.

The hardback 128-page book, published by Allied Publications (2010) might be available at all leading bookshops, but this copy has the added prestige of being signed by President George Abela together with four of his predecessors – including the late President Emeritus Guido de Marco.

Besides this unique book, the exhibition also features no less than four “primitive” abstract paintings by the late Isabelle Borg; dating to the 1980s, each of the works – two of which are diptychs – have been donated by Tumas Group.

This year’s event is being held in the grandiose Dining Room of the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, where the portraits of the current and past Presidents of Malta tower protectively above the artworks and miscellaneous objets d’art which have been generously donated to this year’s auction.

The attending public will also have the opportunity of viewing assorted paintings, watercolours, ceramics and sculptures by Maltese and foreign artists, items pertinent to the decorative arts, coins and stamps.

This year’s auction also features a three-piece Edwardian suite among others furniture items, a selection of Melitensia publications and a considerable collection of fine and vintage wines.

Last year’s auction, which was held at the Auberge d’Italie in Valletta, raised €42,500. Joseph Sammut, head auctioneer at Belgravia Auction Gallery will be auctioning off the selection of 70 plus lots. The auction will be held in the Grand Council Chamber (Throne Room) of the Grandmaster’s Palace on Friday at 8 p.m.

The exhibition is open for viewing in the Dining Room at the Presidential Palace in Valletta until Friday. Entrance is free of charge. An illustrated catalogue which has been printed for the occasion may be viewed online on: www.mccf.org.mt or www.doi.gov.mt

• Those requiring more information or would like to attend the auction can call on 2205 3148/2123 1350 or contact event coordinator Christine Mercieca on: 9987 4068 or via e-mail on christine.camilleri@gov.mt