Personally and also on behalf of my brothers and sisters, I would like to commend the initiative taken by Talent Mosti, which organised an exhibition at Ir-Razzett tal-Marki? Mallia Tabone in Mosta.

The exhibition commemorated the 30th anniversary of the death of our beloved father, Agostino Camilleri, the renowned sculptor and statuarian who left an imprint on the artistic patrimony of the Maltese Islands, as well as abroad. The exhibition was held from 4 to 19 July.

The exhibition was inaugurated and addressed by President Emeritus Prof. Guido de Marco, and blessed by Archbishop Emeritus, Mgr Joseph Mercieca. It was professionally organised and beyond our expectations. All exhibited items were brought over from different locations in Malta and Gozo. During the soirée, Prof. de Marco delivered an impassioned speech in which he admitted that although he had not known him personally, the artist’s works brought him closer to understanding him. The exhibition made him understand more the personality of Agostino and his works, which remain appreciated even after his demise.

Concurrently, another exhibition featuring my father’s works was held at the Banca Giuratale in Victoria from 11 to 26 July. The exhibition was inaugurated by Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, with Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said also present. This was organised on the initiative of the Gozo Cultural Council, which took it in its stride to assemble the exhibited items, some of which had never left their place. Such exhibition would have never been possible without the cooperation of the several religious entities and private collections which were very willing to provide Agostino’s works on loan. My deep appreciation is also conveyed to all those involved in these two exhibitions.

Lastly, I would like to thank the administration of the Art and Craft School of Gozo in Ghajnsielem, named also after my father Agostino, more known as Wistin Camilleri, for the small ceremony held on 4 July to commemorate his 30th anniversary. A plaque made by his grandson Josef Camilleri, a teacher at the said school, was unveiled and inaugurated by the Minister for Gozo, and blessed by Bishop of Gozo Emeritus Mgr Nicola J. Cauchi, who described vividly his personal encounters with Wistin, to the delight of all those present.

Chev. Paul Camilleri-Cauchi