Renowned Gozitan photographer Daniel Cilia, in an illustrated public talk taking place at Il-Hagar Museum, will reflect on the life and work of Dr David H. Trump (1931-2016), a British archaeologist who devoted more than six decades to the study of Maltese and Gozitan prehistory.

From his first visit in 1954 at Ggantija, through his curatorship at the National Museum of Malta (1958-63), and his excavations at Skorba and the Xaghra Circle, Trump shaped the understanding of Malta and Gozo’s ancient past. Regularly returning to the islands to lecture, publish, and guide students, his legacy endures, honoured nationally with the Order of Merit in 2004.

Drawing on his own collaboration and friendship with Dr Trump, Daniel Cilia will offer a personal perspective on the archaeologist’s enduring bond with Gozo.

From shared fieldwork documenting cart-ruts and temple sites to lively debates over publications, Cilia will recall a mentor whose enthusiasm for pottery, temples and prehistory was matched only by his generosity and openness to new ideas.

For Dr Trump, Gozo’s past was never a closed chapter but a living puzzle, one he pursued with rigour, humour and dedication until his final years. This talk is both a tribute and a celebration of a scholar who made Gozo’s heritage profoundly his own.

Born in Victoria, Gozo, Daniel Cilia LRPS began photography at 13 and held his first major exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta, in 1986, the year he became a Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society.

After leaving nursing, he moved to Florence in 1988, later lecturing in Oslo and heading the Photographic Department at Lorenzo de Medici (1990-1995). He has since produced over 160 books, winning multiple National Book Council awards, and participated in 50+ exhibitions.

His honours include Gieh Ghawdex (2010) and Officer of the Order pro Merito Melitensi (2024).

This talk is taking place on Saturday, the 8th of November, starting at 11am. The museum is located in St George’s Square, Victoria.

As always, admission is free, but seat reservations are advised by sending an email to events@heartofgozo.org.mt

Photo: Il-Hagar Museum

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