Manuscripts, plans, books, engravings and drawings of Gozo, prized possessions of the National Library of Malta are on show at the Exhibitions’ Hall of the Ministry for Gozo.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Gozo Minister, Giovanna Debono, together with Mr Philip Borg, Director Libraries on the occasion of the World Book Day.
This is the first time that an exhibition of this type is being held outside the premises of the National Library.
The exhibition includes a selection of documents which deal with Gozo which were acquired over the years by the National Library of Malta and which span from the fifteenth century till the present day. The exhibition is divided into seven sections which include; administration, ecclesiastical affairs, history, archaeology, fortifications, literature and daily life. Among the documents on show are the manuscript history of Gozo written by the first librarian of the Library the Gozitan Canon Gio Pietro Francesco Agius de Soldanis, as well as a number of original plans of forts and fortifications of Gozo. A unique collection of nineteen water colours of the Ggantija Temples drawn by Charles de Brocktorff are also being exhibited together for the first time.
A number of documents deal with the administration of the island of Gozo and include documents written by the Universitas before the rule of the Order as well as documents which deal with the Gozitan uprising against Napoleon’s forces. Two large property registers contain a record of the property of the Order in Malta and Gozo and contain water colours of Rabat as well as a number of windmills built during the Order’s rule. Among the seventy three original exhibits one may appreciate a number of watercolours and engravings showing Gozo views and country folk. The section on literature contains a collection of original writings of Gozo born poet and ex-President of Malta Anton Buttigieg.
Minister Debono said that this exhibition was made possible due to the co-operation and trust that exists between the Ministry for Gozo and the National Library of Malta. She said that the exhibition will remain open till the 24th of May and will be one of the many attractions of Lejlet Lapsi – Notte Gozitana which is being held in Gozo between the 22nd and 24th May.
The exhibition is open daily between 8.30am and 4.30pm and on weekends between 9.00am and noon. On Friday the 1st of May, the exhibition will be open between 9.00am and noon.
A catalogue featuring all exhibits has been published for the occasion. It includes an article by Godwin Vella and photography by Daniel Cilia. The catalogue may be obtained from the exhibition venue.
Admission to the exhibition is free.