Malta’s Post-War History: Watercolours on Postcards

Unveiling Malta’s Post-War History: Watercolours on Postcards

Tucked away in a quaint shop on Republic Street, Valletta, lies a treasure trove of Malta’s post-war history. The shop, known as ‘Postcard Paradise’, is a labour of love for its owner, Joseph, who has been collecting and selling postcards for over three decades. Among the vibrant scenes of traditional Maltese doors and the iconic Three Cities, one can find a series of watercolours that tell a unique story of Malta’s post-war era.

Capturing a Nation’s Resilience

These watercolours, painted by local artist Joseph Mifsud between 1945 and 1960, offer a rare glimpse into Malta’s post-war scene. They depict a nation rebuilding, a people resilient in the face of devastation. Mifsud’s brushstrokes capture the raw emotion of a community emerging from the shadows of war, their spirit unbroken despite the rubble and ruin that surrounded them.

One such painting, ‘Valletta’s Grandmaster’s Palace’, shows the iconic building standing proud amidst the destruction. The palace, a symbol of Malta’s rich history, was severely damaged during the war. Mifsud’s watercolour captures the contrast between the grandeur of the past and the harsh reality of the present, a poignant reminder of the island’s tumultuous history.

Preserving Malta’s Post-War Heritage

Joseph, the shop owner, stumbled upon these watercolours at a local market years ago. Intrigued by their story and their artistic merit, he bought the entire collection. He has since been preserving and sharing them, one postcard at a time. “These paintings are a piece of Malta’s history,” he says, “They deserve to be seen, to be appreciated.”

Today, these watercolours have found their way onto postcards, sharing a slice of Malta’s post-war history with tourists and locals alike. They serve as a reminder of the island’s resilience, a testament to its people’s ability to rise from the ashes and rebuild.

So, the next time you’re strolling along Republic Street, step into ‘Postcard Paradise’. Among the familiar scenes of Malta’s present, you might just find a piece of its past. And who knows, you might even find a postcard that tells a story you never knew.