Antonio Portelli’s artworks from the 1855 Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition are the subject of a show at Gozo’s National Archives and a colour catalogue featuring them all.

A depiction of the first Wirja ta’ Santa Marija (Holy Mary Exhibition) in 1855 is the star attraction of an exhibition of watercolours and pen drawings by notary Antonio Portelli to be held at the National Archives of Gozo.

In the 1850s, Sir William Reid, then Governor of Malta and one of the organisers of the famous 1851 Great Exhibition of London, perceived the importance of the humble exposition of produce that Gozitan farmers held on August 14 and 15 to coincide with the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady – Santa Marija.

He convinced the Società Economico-Agraria of Malta to upgrade the traditional show, and in 1855, Il-Wirja ta’ Santa Marija – renamed the Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition – was revamped and organised under government auspices.

To mark the exhibition, the National Archives of Gozo has published a colour catalogue of all Dr Portelli’s ink and watercolour artworks. It also issued a special pack of 10 cards featuring 10 of what are considered to be the most noteworthy watercolours.

The exhibition, a collaboration with the Notarial Archives, will be open from tomorrow to April 20.

Visiting hours are between 8.30am and 12.30pm – excluding public holidays – from Mondays to Saturdays

Entrance is free.