Manuscripts, plans, books, engravings and drawings of Gozo, prized possessions of the National Library of Malta are on show at the Exhibitions’ Hall of the Ministry for Gozo.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono together with Mr Philip Borg, Director Libraries, on the occasion of the World Book Day.
This is the first time that an exhibition of this type is being held outside the premises of the National Library.
The exhibition includes a selection of documents which deal with Gozo which were acquired over the years by the National Library of Malta and which span from the 15th century till today. The exhibition is divided into seven sections which include: administration, ecclesiastical affairs, history, archaeology, fortifications, literature and daily life. Among the documents on show are the manuscript history of Gozo written by the first librarian of the Library, the Gozitan Canon Gio Pietro Francesco Agius de Soldanis, together with a number of original plans of forts and fortifications of Gozo. A unique collection of nineteen water colours of the Ġgantija Temples drawn by Charles de Brocktorff are also being exhibited together for the first time.
A number of documents deal with the administration of the island of Gozo and include documents written by the Universitas before the rule of the Order as well as documents which deal with the Gozitan uprising against Napoleon’s forces. Two large property registers contain a record of the property of the Order in Malta and Gozo and contain water colours of Rabat as well as a number of windmills built during the Order’s rule. Among the seventy three original exhibits one may appreciate a number of watercolours and engravings showing Gozo views and country folk. The section on literature contains a collection of original writings of Gozo born poet and former President of Malta Anton Buttigieg.
Mrs Debono said that the exhibition will remain open till May 24 and will be one of the many attractions of Lejlet Lapsi – Notte Gozitana, which is being held in Gozo between May 22 and 24.
It is open daily between 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. and on weekends between 9 a.m .and noon. Today week, the exhibition will be open between 9 a.m. and noon.
A catalogue featuring all exhibits has been published for the occasion. It includes an article by Godwin Vella and photography by Daniel Cilia. The catalogue may be obtained from the exhibition venue.
Admission to the exhibition is free.