Nostalgias of Malta

Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti has launched a photographic record of Malta called Nostalgias of Malta – Images by Geo Fürst from the 1930s edited by Giovanni Bonello:

..The book was launched at The Knight’s Room, Le Meridien Phoenicia, Floriana in the presence of Judge Giovanni Bonello, the author, Marquis de Piro, the guest speaker, Maurice de Giorgio, the chairman of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti and Dr Paul Xuereb, the General Editor of Patrimonju Publishing. This latest work is a testimony to the variety of Patrimonju publications now on offer. From those which detail the work carried out in its now renowned exhibitions, to original works of scholarly research, from Giovanni Bonello’s own inimitable series of essays, to unusual works which like this one focus on images of our history.

Speaking at the launch, the chairman of Patrimonju thanked Judge Bonello for bringing this important collection of Geo Fürst’s work to light. “Up till now, his work was really only very well known to postcard collectors, and now the large and growing numbers of the public that appreciates Malta’s artistic heritage will also have the opportunity both to enjoy these images, as well as to appreciate how Malta really looked around 70 years ago.”

Launching the book, Marquis de Piro thanked Patrimonju for the sheer breadth and scope of the publications now on offer. He also praised Judge Bonello, who is both the author and editor of the publication, for all the work involved in bringing this immensely important collection to light which also includes important images of Gozo. Geo Fürst died in Munich just over 40 years ago and it is opportune that we can now start to enjoy his legacy to us Maltese, a legacy of images from Malta’s past.

Judge Bonello stated that, in his view, no one compares to Geo Furst in terms of pre-WW2 photography of Malta. “His work had everything going for it: creativity, impact and impeccable technical standards.” Giovanni Bonello also spoke of two strokes of fortune which contributed to the success of this publication. One was a gracious donation from a family member, his niece, Cynthia Caruana Turner, and the other was Wilfred Pirotta’s acquisition of a large number of the images included in this comprehensive publication.