I haven't written anything following Peter Apap Bologna's sudden death last year. Others have done it more eloquently. The Appreciations by Martin Scicluna and Marquis Nicholas de Piro, the latter closely related to Peter, say it all beautifully. They are both online and worth reading.

Although I am a realist and am only too aware that I, and my contemporaries are 'of an age to die' however, Peter's passing did come as a shock. He had called me the day before to ask me what I thought of his book on the artist Peter Quinn on which he had been working and of which he had sent me a copy. He was so enthusiastic and excited about it. That was his charm. He has written several books and done so much in his lifetime yet, his enthusiasm never failed. We discussed the book and a couple of other matters as we normally did, from time to time, either on email or on the phone.

I always admired Peter for the way in which he utilised his time and followed his objectives. His three-volume autobiography, in itself, takes my breath away. He wrote every word of it. No 'ghosting' for him. He didn't need it. His writing skills were excellent.

 He was organised and focussed on his objectives. Over the last 32 years I have enjoyed many a lunch with either his cooking or that of Alaine's, both gourmets who generously shared their meals. There was always something interesting to discuss.They are thinkers and have an opinion worth hearing.

Fr Charles Cini, your Diarist and Peter Cassar Torregiani 

Alaine, very bravely organised the book launch of her husband's last book on 9 November, at St Patrick's. A handsome Peter Quinn exhibition was launched at the same time. Dr Michael Grech declared the exhibition open in the presence of the artist. Many turned up to support Alaine and honour Peter and his presence was most definitely missed.

There won't be another book by Peter. It is a very sad thought.

The main speaker was Marquis Nicholas de Piro and I am going to reproduce his excellent speech entirely. In his words Peter was very present. Here it is:

"Let me start by remembering Peter Apap Bologna. This is the 5th time he had asked me, and the 5th time I willingly accepted to say a few words at a Peter Quinn exhibition in Malta; and here I am again. Peter could sniff quality without an effort and he could display it and sell it in his exhibitions better than anybody. My heart breaks at the thought that he is not here today. He will be missed not only by his family but by Father Charles Cini and the Salesian Fathers whose charity he worked for with an open heart full of true affection and admiration.

Joe and Christine Farrugia talking to Betta Grech (centre)

Peter had undoubted faith in the artistic ability of Peter Quinn, and how right he was. Today's exhibition must celebrate this fact in all our hearts. As this is my 5th and probably my last Quinn peroration, I have decided to give you some opening sentences from my last four introductions:

Why. Tell me why, did I come to this blessed exhibition? Is this what I work long hours for - so that I can spend my hard-earned money on things like this? I don't care - I want that picture there and I'm taking it home. Ruddy artists!

Peter Apap Bologna very aptly said of Peter Quinn, "His watercolours are of places where he has lived or visited. He is interested in the urban scene, often choosing to make paintings of subjects that seem, at first glance, everyday and ordinary. He enjoys paint and colour, seeking in a finished watercolour the same liveliness and immediacy to be found in the sketchbook he always carries with him. Often in his paintings there are figures that seem to be involved in some sort of drama and story. Peter Quinn likes to leave it up to the viewers to make up their own minds about what tale is unfolding."

Peter's daughter Sarah and her Irish friend Colum Hegerty

By 2009, listen to this, it's me speaking this time:

This young man, as I believe I referred to him last time, is now so to speak, in top gear. He is producing his best work. He has every reason to like the Malta scene and this, his state of mind, we know, was stimulated not only by the scenery, but also by his Maltese wife Josiette.

Marriage does not always suit artists well, but when it works, when it inspires (!!!), when there is talent to develop, what wonders do we see! Our Mr Quinn is not an ordinary sort of man. We must not be fooled. His unassuming appearance is no more than camouflage. Have you ever heard of an art historian, a lawyer, a Ph.D. who lives in the clouds? Art historians are like surgeons with a knife in hand, or like lawyers ready and able to handle their clients. Our Quinn can handle both intellect and emotion.    

Peter Quinn and Charlotte de Trafford

At the next exhibition I wrote:

Why does he paint a picture of the back of a bus for Heaven's sake!? - and still we can feel the stimulating urge to buy it. Does anybody want the back of a bus? Does anybody here want to look at the back of a bus ever? Well, if it is painted by Peter Quinn, then, yes, that's different. The back of a bus becomes sentimental, nostalgic, or something like that.

At the end of the day, it is always quality that counts. Those of you who buy a picture at this exhibition must know they are investing in substance. No, it's not that simple, those who have owned a Peter Quinn are not the sort of people who need to impress anyone - I think, in time, they will not only impress others but also perhaps themselves. Does this make sense? I think so: ladies and gentlemen if you make space for Quinn on your perhaps conservative walls, you have moved into an area of urbanity and confidence, these are pictures whose ownership will reflect your taste within a time period, to leave to your children and grandchildren, and they will reflect your judgment, discrimination and even your sophistication. 

In 2014 I added:

When art, intellect and whimsy are embraced there is no need for inspiration; there is no need for a muse - you are there, right in the heart of it - now just get on and pluck at my heart and soul - you have leapt over shock and gimmick, you have held my hand, and you have flown me back into my subconscious without having to explain any abstract notions. I am saddened by so much I had not seen, I should have looked harder; and, I am embarrassed by the emotions of sheer bliss you have conjured up within me. 

Now here we are in 2019 and just look around you. Our artist is as great as ever. The book cover pictures have stunned me. The Keyside Net Mending is the biggest pile of junk I would want to turn away from, but when it is painted by Peter Quinn, oh yes, I feel instinct, I see intellect, I am facing precious and creative talent. What more can I say?

Ladies and gentlemen I am so honoured to be here today, Thank you for listening."

Thank you Marquis de Piro. Peter must be smiling while enjoying his heavenly food and drink and chatting to Michaelangelo perhaps.

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