In a celebration of watercolours and words, lovers of art and poetry are invited to this forthcoming event. To mark the 160th anniversary of British artist Edward Lear’s visit to Gozo in March 1866, the talk explores a sojourn during which the artist was enchanted by the island’s beauty.

Following a brief introduction to Edward Lear – celebrated in both artistic and literary circles, particularly for his famous nonsense verse – the speaker will discuss the artist’s extensive travels throughout the Mediterranean and beyond, highlighting the Gozo visit.

Although Lear visited Malta on several occasions, he set foot on Gozo just once, spending eight consecutive days on the island. During that week he traversed Gozo on foot, sketching tirelessly at every turn. His landscapes offer us a rare opportunity to admire picturesque views of an untouched mid-19th-century Gozitan landscape. Lear’s detailed diaries allow us to follow his movements on Gozo with remarkable precision. He numbered his drawings and frequently noted the date and time on each sketch, creating a vivid record of his journey. The talk will feature images of many of these works, drawn from both public and private collections in Malta and abroad.

Nicoline Sagona obtained a B.A. (Hons.) in History of Art in 2001 and an M.A. in Cultural Heritage Management in 2008, both from the University of Malta.  Antony Edridge is a professional actor from London, now based on Gozo.

Book your place-seat reservations are limited by sending and e-mail to the Gozo Central Public Library.