Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti has long become synonymous with the safeguarding and promotion of cultural heritage in Malta.
Over the past two decades, the private foundation has in fact been responsible for the setting up of some of the major temporary exhibitions showcasing costume, furniture, silverware and majolica (among others) which form part of the country's patrimony and art history.
Eight years have whizzed by since their last show; however, in a matter of a few days, a major retrospective dedicated to one of Malta's foremost early modern artists of the first half of the 20th century will be unveiled to the public.
Titled Edward Caruana Dingli (1876-1950) Portraits, Views And Folkloristic Scenes, the exhibition, which will be held in the throne room and dining room of The Grandmaster's Palace in Valletta will be open to the public between May 8 and June 6.
These rooms, which have been especially designed for the occasion, will host some 254 paintings including 170 portraits, 84 studies and folkloristic scenes.
Catching up with Fondazzjoni chief executive officer Michael Lowell, who is busy fine-tuning and wrapping up any loose ends, he reveals that the foundation has been working on this exhibition for two years. The exhibition has had to be postponed twice already - due to state visits to the President's Palace. "Having set a certain standard, Patrimonju prides itself in improving from one exhibition to the next. Also, with all the research involved, it does take two to three years to execute such an exhibition..."
Mr Lowell explains some of the logistics behind the organisation of such a show. He says that "the work progressed from the initial communications with the lenders of the paintings," to the viewing of all the paintings to determine their condition, the extent of restoration needed, etc. Another aspect necessitating much thought was the overall design of the exhibition halls - the manipulation of the space to suit the flavour of the works. Much research was conducted and photographs were taken in preparation for the extensive publication accompanying this exhibition.
The publication, which will be launched on the exhibition's opening night, includes a series of essays that shed light onto Edward Caruana Dingli's life and work. It sets the context for his paintings and the social context in early 20th century Malta, from which he drew inspiration. The essays have been researched and written by Nadine Debattista Briffa, Madeleine Gera, Nicholas de Piro and Natalino Fenech. The publication also includes a comprehensive catalogue of all the works selected for this exhibition.
A number of paintings have even been brought from overseas especially for this exhibition. These works include The Investiture, a group portrait in which the artist depicts some 30 personalities, including a self-portrait. This painting, together with that of Sir Harry Charles Luke (1884-1969) is on loan from St John's Gate, Clerkenwell, London.
Other paintings include a selection of Chevalier Caruana Dingli's most iconic works, which were immortalised in the book The Colour And Life Of Malta From Original Paintings, published in 1927. Out of the 41 images in this book, 29 shall be on display in the exhibition, including: The Chicken Hawker, The Guitar Player and Maltese Lady Wearing The National Headdress, The Faldetta.
Primarily a portrait painter, Chev. Caruana Dingli's sitters included the crème de la crème of Maltese society. On display there will be portraits of Maltese politicians, British governors, scholars, prominent members of the clergy and even nobility.
One of Chev. Caruana Dingli's most accomplished works is the full-length portrait of Lord Strickland as Knight Grand Cross Of The Order Of St Michael And St George (1861-1940).
Another important work is the portrait of Myriam Cassar Torreggiani With Pearl Necklace (1918-2000), which was painted only two years before the artist passed away, which was also a time in which he was very ill.
Mr Lowell notes that "private collectors have been extremely generous and helpful. Patrimonju has always found extreme cooperation and support from lenders, who are more than willing to help the foundation in its mission to unravel the hidden treasures of Malta's heritage. Without them, all of Patrimonju's exhibitions would not have been possible".
He also gives due thanks to all those who have been involved in the many facets of this laborious project: "Patrimonju has also had a wonderful response from volunteers. Art lovers are always happy to give some of their time to help out. Our volunteers are valued, and their contribution is much appreciated. Exhibitions such as this one cost a great amount of money to set up, so there is always room for all the help we can get."
Over the past eight years, Fondazzjoni has been very busy with the restoration and reopening of Palazzo Falson in Mdina inclusive of all its bountiful contents. It was opened to the public as a historic house museum in 2007.
Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti's next major exhibition will focus on antique jewellery in Malta, which is planned for late 2013.