Five of Victor Pasmore’s iconic works have been meticulously restored and unveiled at the Victor Pasmore Gallery in Valletta, following a €12,000 sponsorship by the Eden Leisure Foundation (ELF).
The conservation project, carried out by leading conservation studio Atelier del Restauro in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti (FPM), marks a significant milestone in safeguarding Malta’s modern artistic heritage. The restored works were officially celebrated in a special event attended by Kate de Cesare, Chairperson of ELF; Eden Leisure Group senior management; representatives from FPM; the restoration team; and members of Malta’s cultural community.
“Victor Pasmore’s work is a vital part of Malta’s modern cultural story. The Eden Leisure Foundation is proud to have contributed towards this restoration, ensuring that these paintings can continue to inspire and enrich future generations.” Kate de Cesare, Chairperson, Eden Leisure Foundation
Michael Lowell, CEO and Creative Director of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, added, “This restoration not only safeguards Victor Pasmore’s legacy, but also shines a light on Malta’s role in the story of modern art. We are grateful to the Eden Leisure Foundation for their support, which has allowed us to return these works to the public in the way they deserve.”
The restoration process itself revealed fascinating insights into Pasmore’s methods. Each piece was carefully examined using techniques such as ultraviolet imaging, which uncovered hidden brushstrokes, faded pencil lines, and even mid-process changes by the artist. One of the restored works includes wood projections extending beyond the canvas, a striking example of Pasmore’s belief that art should not be confined to the frame but should interact with the surrounding space.
Photograph Credit: Lisa Attard
Victor Pasmore, a pioneer of 20th-century abstract art, settled in Malta in the 1960s, where the island’s light and culture deeply influenced his work. FPM’s gallery, housed within the APS building in Valletta, stands as a unique cultural landmark showcasing the artist’s bold geometric abstractions fused with Mediterranean spirit.
Now restored to their original brilliance, Pasmore’s works are once again on display for the public to experience, offering a renewed opportunity to engage with his legacy and celebrate Malta’s evolving artistic heritage.
