Edward William Baker was born in 1878, at a time when photography in Malta was becoming the domain not only of professional photographers but also keen amateurs. By the end of the 19th century, portable cameras were available to those who, like Baker, were enthusiastic about this relatively new art form. In 1896, Baker joined the Eastern Telegraph Company (ETC), with headquarters at Mercury House, St Julian's but, like all dedicated photographers, his camera must never have been far from his hands.
Between 1900 and 1920 Baker honed his skills in portraiture using his family members as his subjects. They must have all supported his passion as his images are not quick snapshots. They are well thought out, beautifully crafted photographs, created with skill and often with humour. Some of the photographs taken at his family home are set in front of a scenic curtain similar to those of a professional studio. Baker took his photography seriously. He frequented photographic circles and undoubtedly wanted his images to be up to professional standards.
Baker's work also reflects his love of Sliema, which was, at the time, growing in popularity amongst British residents and Maltese alike. His images often include landmarks such as Il-Fortizza at Għar id-Dud, and the Dragonara Palace at St Julian's. He also recorded time-honoured traditions - fishermen bringing in the catch and young men washing horses in the shallows. One of Baker's favourite haunts was a social club called the Circolo Għar id-Dud. It is the subject of several photographs showing the interior, the façade and Baker's fellow members. He was clearly a gregarious character. His work colleagues at ETC feature, but also men in the military and from other professions. Several of the photos are carefully annotated by Baker in the album he created in the 1930s. Malta's countryside is also represented in his precious landscape views, many of which have now vanished. Baker also experimented with different photographic techniques, tints, exposure times and was willing to go to great lengths to get just the right angle.
In 1920, the album starts to take on a Gozitan feel, as Baker entered the ambit of the Mercieca family. This was consolidated in the spring of 1921, with his marriage to Giovanna Mercieca. By that time, most of Giovanna's siblings lived and worked in Malta, but Marsalforn continued to be the chosen venue for their annual villeġġjatura or summer break. Baker records these family groups and scenes of Marsalforn and other parts of Gozo, as they were in the 1920s. Some of these images include Giovanna's siblings, the best known of whom was Arturo Mercieca (later Sir). Also featured is Joseph Howard, Malta's first Prime Minister whose son, Robert, was married to Giovanna's sister, Adelina.
Baker became unwell in 1924 but went on taking delightful photographs of Giovanna and their children, Cecil and Edith, almost up to the time of his demise in 1938 aged 59.
The Baker family has generously agreed to allow public access to Baker's work. The album's images form the basis for this exhibition, which is supported by APS Bank, Farsons Foundation and ILab photo, and for the publication, and will now become part of Malta's photographic narrative.
The book, supported by MIA plc, contains insightful texts by Justine Balzan Demajo, Kevin Casha, Giovanni Bonello, Daniela Apap Bologna, Caroline Tonna and Liam Gauci, which place Baker's work within the societal and cultural context of his time.
The exhibition will be open to the general public at Studio 87, Valletta, from 28 October to 20 November on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4 to 7pm, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:30am to 1pm.
Patricia Camilleri is co-editor, with Justine Balzan Demajo, of 'The Eddie Baker Album', with digitised photography and book design by Daniel Cilia.