Denise Micallef writes:

I have lost my co-author and a true friend. I met Joe Galea Naudi about 30 years ago when writing an article and I needed some postcards.

A friend suggested his name and said he has a good collection. I made an appointment and while discussing my article, he suddenly commented: why not write about Maltese furniture? There are so many treasures in Maltese homes. We will be the pioneers of this subject.

It did not take me long to make up my mind. Joe was knowledgeable on art, silver and Bohemian glass but was well informed and definitely an authority on Maltese furniture. He set out to identify the age of the piece to give clues that revealed the nationality of the item, to indicate comparative rarity and, most of all, what was worth writing about.

Malta has lost a responsible valuer, a man of great experience on furniture in general and one who appreciated the delicate work of the craftsman’s designs and creativity.

It is well that we should mould our view of Joe Galea Naudi where we see him in his happiest mood discussing the enrichment of art.